Achitʹophel

(See Absalom and Achitophel.)

Achitophel was David’s traitorous counsellor, who deserted to Absalom; but his advice being disregarded, he hanged himself (2 Sam. xv.). The Achitophel of Dryden’s satire was the Earl of Shaftesbury:—

“Of these (the rebels) the false Achitophel was first;

A name to all succeeding ages curst;

For close designs and crooked counsels fit;

Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit;

Restless, unfixed in principles and place;

In power unpleased, impatient in disgrace.”

Part i. 150–5.

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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.

Achitʹophel

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