E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Little John.
A big stalwart fellow, named John Little (or John Nailor), who encountered Robin Hood, and gave him a sound thrashing, after which he was rechristened, and Robin stood godfather. Little John is introduced by Sir Walter Scott in The Talisman.
1
“‘This infant was called John Little,’ quoth he;
‘Which name shall be changed anon.
The words we’ll transpose, so wherever he goes,
His name shall be called Little John.”
Ritson: Robin Hood, xxi.
Little John was executed on Arbor Hill, Dublin.
2
It will be remembered that Maria in Twelfth Night, represented by Shakespeare as a little woman, is by a similar pleasantry called by Viola, “Olivia’s giant;” and Sir Toby says to her, “Good night, Penthesile’a”—i.e. Amazon.
