E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rob Roy [Robert the Red].
A nickname given to Robert M‘Gregor, who assumed the name of Campbell when the clan M‘Gregor was outlawed by the Scotch Parliament in 1662. He may be termed the Robin Hood of Scotland.
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“Rather beneath the middle size than above it, his limbs were formed upon the very strongest model that is consistent with agility… . Two points in his person interfered with the rules of symmetry: his shoulders were so broad … as to give him the air of being too square in respect to his stature; and his arms, though round, sinewy, and strong, were so very long as to be rather a deformity.”—Sir Walter Scott: Rob Roy McGregor, xxiii.
