E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Christian [ch = k].
The hero of John Bunyan’s allegory called The Pilgrim’s Progress. He flees from the “City of Destruction,” and journeys to the “Celestial City.” He starts with a heavy burden on his back, but it falls off when he stands at the foot of the cross.
1
Christian. A follower of Christ. So called first at Antioch (Acts xi. 26).
2
Most Christian Doctor. John Charlier de Gerson (1363–1429).
3
Most Christian King. The style of the King of France. (1469.)
4
Pepin le Bref was so styled by Pope Stephen III. (714–768).
5
Charles le Chauve was so styled by the council of Savonnières (823, 840–877).
6
Louis XI. was so styled by Pope Paul II. (1423, 1461–1483).
7
Since which time (1469) it was universally adopted in the French monarchy.
8
“And thou, O Gaul, with gaudy trophies plumed,
‘Most Christian king.’ Alas! in vain assumed.”
Camoens: Lusiad, book vii.
Founder of Christian Eloquence. Louis Bordaloue, the French preacher (1632–1704).
