E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Malaprop (Mrs.),
in The Rivals, by Sheridan. (French, mal à propos.) Noted for her blunders in the use of words. “As headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile” is one of her famous similes. (See PARTINGTON.)
