E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Petitioners and Abhorrers.
Two political parties in the reign of Charles II. When that monarch was first restored he used to grant everything he was asked for; but after a time this became a great evil, and Charles enjoined his loving subjects to discontinue their practice of “petitioning.” Those who agreed with the king, and disapproved of petitioning, were called Abhorrers; those who were favourable to the objectionable practice were nicknamed Petitioners.
