E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Doeg (2 syl.),
in the satire of Absalom and Achitophel, by Dryden and Tate, is meant for Elka’nah Settle, a poet who wrote satires upon Dryden, but was no match for his great rival. Doeg was Saul’s herdsman, who had charge of his mules and asses. He told Saul that the priests of Nob had provided David with food; whereupon Saul sent him to put them to death, and eighty-five were ruthlessly massacred. (1 Sam. xxi. 7; xxii. 18.)
