E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bezo’nian.
A new recruit; applied originally in derision, to young soldiers sent from Spain to Italy, who landed both ill-accoutred and in want of everything (Ital. besogni, from bisogno, need; French besoin).
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“Base and pilfering besognios and marauders.”—Sir W. Scott: Monastery, xvi.
“Great men oft die by vile bezonians.”
Shakespeare: 2 Henry VI., act iv. 1.
“Under which king, Bezonian? Speak or &dgrave;ie” (2 Hen. IV., act v. 3). Choose your leader or take the consequences—Cæsar or Pompey? “Speak or die.”
