E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hick’athrift (Tom or Jack).
A poor labourer in the time of the Conquest, of such enormous strength that, armed with an axletree and cartwheel only, he killed a giant who dwelt in a marsh at Tilney, Norfolk. He was knighted and made governor of Thanet. He is sometimes called Hickafric.
