E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rogue Ingrain (A).
Ingrain colours are what we call “fast colours,” colours which will not fly or wash out. A rogue ingrain means one rotten to the core, one whose villainy is deep-seated.
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“’Tis ingrain, sir; ’twill endure wind and weather.”—Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, i. 5.
