E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Northern Wagoner (The).
Ursa Major, called “Charles’s wain,” or wagon. The constellation contains seven large stars. “King Charles’s Wain” is absurd. “Charles’ Wain” is a blunder for the “Churls’ or Peasants’ Wain.”
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“By this the northern wagoner has set
His seven fold team behind the stedfast star [the pole-star].”
