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Brewer's: Coup de Theatre

An unforeseen or unexpected turn in a drama to produce a sensational effect. In ordinary life, something planned for effect. Burke and his dagger was meant for a coup de théâtre, but it…

Brewer's: Eau de Cologne

A perfumed spirit, prepared at Cologne. The most famous maker was Jean Maria Farina. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894Eau de VieEating Together A B C D E…

Brewer's: Eau de Vie

Brandy. A French translation of the Latin aqua vitæ (water of life). This is a curious perversion of the Spanish acqua di vitæ (water or juice of the vine), rendered by the monks into aqua…

Brewer's: Chevaux de Frise

(French). Horses of Friesland. A beam filled with spikes to keep off horses, so called from its use in the siege of Groningen, Friesland, in 1594. A somewhat similar engine had been used…

Brewer's: Coeur de Lion

Richard I. of England; so called from the prodigies of personal valour performed by him in the Holy Land. (1157, 1189-1199.) Louis VIII. of France, more frequently called Le Lion. (1187,…

Brewer's: Ange de Grève

(French), a hangman or executioner. The “Place de Grève” was at one time the Tyburn of Paris. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894AngelAnent A B C D E F G…

Brewer's: Cure de Meudon

—i.e. Rabelais, who was first a monk, then a leech, then prebend of St. Maur, and lastly curé of Meudon. (1483-1653.) Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer,…

Brewer's: De Bonne Grace

(French). Willingly; with good grace. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894De Die in DiemDaystar A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V…

Brewer's: De Die in Diem

From day to day continuously, till the business is completed. “The Ministry have elected to go on de die in diem.” —Newspaper paragraph, December, 1885. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and…

Brewer's: De Lunatico Inquirendo

(Latin). A writ issued to inquire into the state of a person's mind, whether it is sound or not. If not of sound mind, the person is called non compos, and is committed to proper guardians…