E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dismal.
Daniel Finch, second earl of Nottingham.
1
“No sooner was Dismal among the Whigs . . but Lady Char[lot]te is taken knitting in St. James’s Chapel [i.e. Lady Charlotte Finch, his daughter].”—Examiner, April 20–24th, 1713, No. 44.
