These spirits are the lay form ofthe abbey lubbers who used to be supposed to haunt rich abbeys, where the monks had grown self-indulgent and idle. As a rule it was thought that fairies could feed on any human food that had not been marked by a cross. The story of the tacksman of Auchriachan is an example of this. But, by an extension of this belief, it was sometimes thought that the fairies could take any food that was ungratefully received or belittled or anything that was dishonestly come by, any abuse of gifts, in fact. It was under these circumstances that the abbey lubbers and buttery spirits worked. A very vivid account of a buttery spirit is to be found in Heywood's Hierarchic of the Blessed Angels (Book 9).

A pious and holy priest went one day to visit his nephew who was a cook, or rather, it seemed, a tavern keeper. He was hospitably received, and as soon as they sat to meat the priest asked his nephew how he was getting on in the world, for he knew he was an ambitious man, anxious for worldly success.

'Oh Uncle,' said the taverner, 'my state is wretched; I grow poorer and poorer, though I'm sure I neglect nothing that can be to my profit. I buy cattle that have died of the murrain, even some that have been found dead in ditches; I make pies of dogs' carcasses, with a fine pastry and well spiced; I water my ale, and if anyone complains of the fare I outface them, and swear I use nothing but the best. I use every trick I can contrive, and in spite of that I grow poorer and poorer.'

'You'll never thrive using these wicked means,' said his Uncle. 'Let me see your Buttery.'