E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Walton.
An Izaak Walton. One devoted to “the gentle craft” of angling. Izaak Walton wrote a book called The Complete Angler, or Contemplative Man’s Recreation. (1655.)
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“Gentle” is a pun. Gentles are the larvæ of flesh-flies used as bait in angling.
“Gentle” is a pun. Gentles are the larvæ of flesh-flies used as bait in angling.
