North-east Passage (The)

A way to India from Europe round the north extremit of Asia. It had been often attempted even in the 16th century. Hence Beaumont and Fletcher.

“That everlasting cassock, that has worn

As many servants out as the North-east Passage

Has consumed sailors.”

The Tamer Tamed, ii. 2

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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.