E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Humphrey (Master).
The imaginary collector of the tales in Master Humphrey’s Clock, by Charles Dickens.
1
The good Duke Humphrey. (See GOOD DUKE HUMPHREY.)
2
To dine with Duke Humphrey. To have no dinner to go to. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, son of Henry IV., was renowned for his hospitality. At death it was reported that a monument would be erected to him in St. Paul’s, but his body was interred at St. Albans. When the promenaders left for dinner, the poor stay-behinds who had no dinner used to say to the gay sparks who asked if they were going, that they would stay a little longer and look for the monument of the “good duke.”
3
To dine with Duke Humphrey in Powl’s Walk.
A similar locution is To sup with Sir Thomas Gresham. The Exchange built by Sir Thomas being a common lounge.
A similar locution is To sup with Sir Thomas Gresham. The Exchange built by Sir Thomas being a common lounge.
