E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rope-dancer (The).
Yvo de Grentmesnil, the crusader, one of the leaders of Robert, Duke of Normandy’s party against Henry I. of England.
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“Ivo was one of those who escaped from Antioch when it was besieged. He was let down by a rope over the wall, and hence called ‘The Rope-dancer.’”—Gentleman’s Magazine.
