E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dudgeon (The).
The handle of a dagger, at one time made of box-wood
root, called “dudgeon-wood;” a dagger with such a handle. Shakespeare does not say, “and on the blade o’ the dudgeon gouts of blood,” but “on the blade and dudgeon . .,” both blade and handle.
