E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hil’debrand (Meister).
The Nestor of German romance. Like Maugis among the heroes of Charlemagne, he was a magician as well as champion.
1
Hildebrand. Pope Gregory VII. (1013, 1073–1085).
2
A Hildebrand. One resembling Pope Gregory VII., noted for subjugating the power of the German emperors; and specially detested by the early reformers for his ultra-pontifical views.
