E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Carbona’ri
means charcoal-burners, a name assumed by a secret political society in Italy (organised 1808–1814). Their place of muster they called a “hut;” its inside, “the place for selling charcoal;” and the outside, the “forest.” Their political opponents they called “wolves.” Their object was to convert the kingdom of Naples into a republic. In the singular number, Carbonaro. (See CHARBONNERIE.)
