E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bœo’tian.
A rude, unlettered person, a dull blockhead. The ancient Bœotians loved agricultural and pastoral pursuits, so the Athenians used to say they were dull and thick as their own atmosphere: yet Hesiod, Pindar, Corinna, Plutarch, Pelop’idas, and Epaminondas, were all Bœotians.
