Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Calf-skin.

Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Calf-skin.

Calf-love.

Cal’iban.

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Calf-skin.

Fools and jesters used to wear a calf-skin coat buttoned down the back. In allusion to this custom, Faulconbridge says insolently to the Archduke of Austria, who had acted most basely to Richard Cœur-de-Lion—

“Thou wear a lion’s hide! Doff it, for shame,

And hang a calf-skin on those recreant limbs.”

Shakespeare: King John, iii. 1.

Calf-love.

Cal’iban.

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