What is the origin and meaning of the old expression '6's and 7's'?

Terryproantrim

Tabby Tom's explanation is confirmed by the Cambridge Dictionary of Phrase and Verse. Oct 22 01, 2:57 PM

Tabby Tom

Anonymous says: The traditional 'explanation' is that it derives from a dispute between the Merchant Taylors' and Skinners' Companies of the City of London over sixth and sventh place in the guilds' official order of precedence. Certainly, these companies alternate in 6th and 7th place from year to year. But the OED says the phrase has taken many forms over the centuries and that it was originally something like 'to set all on six and seven', meaning to risk everything on a throw of the dice. Even Brewer, which reproduces the livery companies story, puts the dicing explanation first. If it's a quiz question, the livery copmpanies answer may be the one they want. These questions migrate froim quiz to quiz, and the Challenge recently asked which well known phrase originated in a quarrel between the two guilds. Mon Oct 22 06:50:02 CDT 2001 (Delete Entry) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tabby Tom says: 'Anonymous' is me Mon Oct 22 06:51:02 CDT 2001 (Delete Entry) (Reposted to Tabby Tom from anonymous - McG) Mar 13 02, 7:11 PM