E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Odd and Even.
According to Pythagoras, by the number of syllables in a man’s name, the side of his infirmity may be predicted: odd being left, even being right.
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Thus, to give only one or two examples: Nelson (even) lost his right arm and right eye. Raglan (even) lost his right arm at Waterloo. The fancy is quite worthless, but might afford amusement on a winter’s night.
