E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hu’dibras.
Said to be a caricature of Sir Samuel Luke, a patron of Samuel Butler. The Grub’Street Journal (1731) maintains it was Colonel Rolle, of Devonshire, with whom the poet lodged for some time, and adds that the name is derived from Hugh de Bras, the patron saint of the county. He represents the Presbyterian party, and his squire the Independents.
1
“‘Tis sung there is a valiant Mameluke,
In foreign land ycleped [Sir Samuel Luke].”
Butler: Hudibras, i. 1.
Sir Hudibras. The cavalier of Elissa of Parsimony. (Spenser: Faërie Queene, book. ii.)
