coventry

[Paul Mackin]

Speaking of being sent to Coventry, Barbara Bush (W.'s mom) was nototious
in college for seeing to it that sorority sisters who displeased her for
one reason or other were shunned and not spoken to by the rest of the
girls. B was quite proficient in browbeating her sisters into
compliance.  (how true any of this is I have no idea)

As an American the first time I remember hearing the  Coventry expression
was in a 50s Peter Sellers comedy. Might have been "I'm All Right Jack."
Peter (the labor organizer if I've named the right movie???)  was sent to
Coventry by his mates for some shameful action.

P.