E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Orsi’ni (Maffio).
A young Italian nobleman, whose life was saved by Genna’ro at the battle of Rim’ini. Orsi’ni became the staunch friend of Genna’ro, but both were poisoned at a banquet given by the Princess Neg’roni. (Donizetti: Lucrezia di Borgia, an opera.) This was the name of the conspirator who attempted the life of Napoleon III.
