E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dutch Courage.
The courage excited by drink; pot valour.
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“In the Dutch wars (in the time of Charles II.), … . the captain of the Hollander man-of-war, when about to engage with our ships, usually set … . a hogshead of brandy abroach before the mast, and bid the men drink … . and our men felt the force of the brandy to their cost.”—Notes and Queries (Oct. 15, 1892, p. 304).
