E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Moll Flanders.
A woman of extraordinary beauty, born in the Old Bailey. She was twelve years a courtesan, five times a wife, twelve years a thief, eight years a transport in Virginia; but ultimately grew rich, lived honestly, and died a penitent. (Charles II.’s reign.) (See Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders.)
