E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Black Sheep [Kârâ-Koin-loo].
A tribe of Turkomans, so called from their standards. This tribe was extirpated by the White Sheep (q.v.).
1
A Black Sheep. A disgrace to the
family; a mauvais sujet; a workman who will not join in a strike. Black sheep are looked on with dislike by shepherds, and are not so valuable as white ones.
