| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Barbe (Ste.). | | |
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The powder-room in a French ship; so called from St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillery. (See BARBARY.) | 1 |
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A barbe de fou apprend-on à raire (French). An apprentice is taught to shave on the chin of a fool. | 2 |
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Tel a fait sa barbe, qui n’est pas beau fils (French). You may waste half the day on making your toilet, and yet not come forth an Adonis. You cannot make a silk purse of a sow’s ear. Not every block will make a Mercury. | 3 |
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| “Heap lying curls a million on your head; |
| On socks, a cubit high, plant your proud tread, |
| You’re just what you are—that’s all about it.” | |
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Goethe: Faust (Dr. Anster), p. 163. |
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