E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Popefigland.
An island inhabited by the Gaillardets (French, gaillard, gay people), rich and free, till, being shown one day the pope’s image, they exclaimed, “A fig for the pope!” where-upon the whole island was put to the sword. Its name was then changed to Popefigland, and the people were called Popefigs.
