E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cicisbe’o [che-chiz-bee’-o].
A dangler about women; the professed gallant of a married woman. Also the knot of silk or ribbon which is attached to fans, walking-sticks, umbrellas, etc. Cicisbeism, the practice of dangling about women.
