JOHN BARLEYCORN:In English and Scottish folklore,personification of barley,the grain used to produce liqours.
The Facts of File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend. Anthony S. Mecantante
1998:Facts of File

Barley To cry barley . To ask for truce (in children's games). Query, a corruption of parley.
"A proper lad o' his quarters, that will not cry barley in a brulzīe." - Sir W. Scott: Waverley , xiii.
Barley-bree Barley-broth; that is, malt liquor brewed from barley (Scotch). "The cock may craw, the day may daw, And aye we'll taste the barley-bree." Burns: Willie Brew'd a Peck o' Maut .
Barley Cap To wear the barley cap . To be top-heavy or tipsy with barley-bree. The liquor got into the head.
Barleycorn John or Sir John Barleycorn . A personification of malt liquor. The term has been made popular by Robert Burns.
"Inspiring bold John Barleycorn,
What dangers thou canst make us scorn!" Burns: Tam o' Shanter, 105, 106.

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