is meant for Dr. Burnett, whose figure was lusty.
“The noble Buzzard ever pleased me best.”
Dryden: Hind and Panther, part iii. 1121.
Buzzard called hawk by courtesy. It is a euphemism—a brevet rank—a complimentary title.
“Of small renown, ʹtis true; for, not to lie,
We call [your buzzard] “hawk” by courtesy.”
Dryden: Hind and Panther, iii. 1122–3.
Between hawk and buzzard. Not quite a lady or gentleman, nor quite a servant. Applied to tutors in private houses, bear-leaders, and other grown-up persons who are allowed to come down to dessert, but not to be guests at the dinner-table.
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.
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