Dick’s Hatband

(Richard Cromwell, 1626–1712.)

(1) Dick’s hatband, which was made of sand. His regal honours were “a rope of sand.”

(2) As fine as Dick’s hatband. The crown of England would be a very fine thing for anyone to get.

(3) As queer as Dick’s hatband. Few things have been more ridiculous than the exaltation and abdication of the Protector’s son.

(4) As tight as Dick’s hatband. The hatband of Richard Cromwell was the crown, which was too tight for him to wear with safety.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.