E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ralph or Ralpho.
The squire of Hudibras. The model was Isaac Robinson, a zealous butcher in Moorfields, always contriving some queer art of church government. He represents the Independent party, and Hudibras the Presbyterian. Ralph rhymes with half and safe.
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“He was himself under the tyranny of scruples as unreasonable as those of … Ralpho.”—Macaulay.
