Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, sometimes referred to simply as Brewer's, is a reference work containing definitions and explanations of many famous phrases, allusions and figures, whether historical or mythical.
The "Revised and Updated Edition" from the 1890s is now in the public domain, and web-based versions are available online.
The most recent version is the 19th edition, published in August 2012 by Chambers Harrap Publishers.
Read more about Brewer's Dictionary Of Phrase And Fable: History, Brewer's Dictionary of Modern Phrase and Fable, Other Special Editions
Famous quotes containing the words dictionary, phrase and/or fable:
“If someday I make a dictionary of definitions wanting single words to head them, a cherished entry will be “To abridge, expand, or otherwise alter or cause to be altered for the sake of belated improvement, one’s own writings in translation.””
—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)
“... that phrase of mischievous sophistry, “all men are born free and equal.” This false and futile axiom, which has done, is doing, and will do so much harm to this fine country ...”
—Frances Trollope (1780–1863)
“In spite of the air of fable ... the public were still not at all disposed to receive it as fable. I thence concluded that the facts of my narrative would prove of such a nature as to carry with them sufficient evidence of their own authenticity.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)