E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Neck-verse (Psalm li. 1).
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” This verse was so called because it was the trial-verse of those who claimed benefit of clergy;
and if they could read it, the ordinary of Newgate said, “Legit ut clercus,” and the convict saved his neck, being only burnt in the hand and set at liberty.
cus,” and the convict saved his neck, being only burnt in the hand and set at liberty.
