E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Epicu’ros. (Latin form, Epicurus.)
The Greek philosopher who founded the Epicure’an school. His axiom was that “happiness or enjoyment is the summum bonum of life.” His disciples corrupted his doctrine into “Good living is the object we should all seek,” or, according to the drinking song, “Who leads a good life is sure to live well.”
1
“Blest be the day I ‘scaped the wrangling crew,
From Pyrrho’s [q.v.] maze and Epicurus’ sty.”
Beattie: Minstrel.
The Epicurus of China. Tao-tse, who commenced the search for the “elixir of life.” Several of the Chinese emperors lost their lives by drinking his “potion of immortality” (B.C. 540).
