E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Sour Grapeism.
An assumed contempt or indifference to the unattainable. (See above.)
1
There, economy was always elegant, and money-spending always vulgar and ostentatiousa sort of sour grapeisni, which made us very peaceful and satisfied.Mrs. Gaskell: Cranford, chap. i.