E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Margarine Substitute (A).
A mere imitation. Just as margarine is an imitation and substitute of butter.
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“Between a real etching and that margarine substitute a pen-and-ink drawing … the difference is this: the margarine substitute is essentially flat … but true etching is in sensible relief.”—Nineteenth Century, May 1891, p. 780.
