E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Scarlet Woman.
Some controversial Protestants apply the words to the Church of Rome, and some Romanists, with equal “good taste,” apply them to London. The Book of Revelation says, “It is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth,” and terms the city “Babylon” (chap. xvii.).
