Snow Queen

[glider6]

Hello!
I have been reading "Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen and
there is something I do not understand. I have checked it in the
dictionary but it doesn't fit. Here is the sentence: Their parents
lived opposite one another in two attics, and out on the leads they
had put two boxes filled with flowers". What are those leads? Rynny?
Thank you in advance.

[jonathan.oakley]

Hi there!
Great author to read, BTW. I understand the 'Snow Queen' was first
published in 1845...so it is reasonable to assume some of the
language used then might be obsolete now.

From the passage you have quoted 'leads' would have to be a
noun...the best definition I can find that might be applicable is:

'The course of a rope from end to end.'

As the passage says 'leads' there must be more than one which means
that - with 2/3 such hanging leads securely fastened and laid out
end-to-end - it would be possible to place some flower boxes on
them.. :)

[jonathan.oakley]

As an addendum..'leads' could also be another term for a window sill
as...at that time...lead was used in paint and wood...

[glider6]

Thank you :-) window sill is more convincing for me.