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Pickwickian

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In a Pickwickian sense. An insult whitewashed. Mr. Pickwick accused Mr. Blotton of acting in “a vile and calumnious manner,” whereupon Mr. Blotton retorted by calling Mr. Pickwick “a humbug.” It finally was made to appear that both had used the offensive words only in a Pickwickian sense, and that each had, in fact, the highest regard and esteem for the other. So the affront was adjusted, and both were satisfied.

“Lawyers and politicians daily abuse each other in a Pickwickian sense.”—Bowditch.

 

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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.

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Piccadilly (London)
Piccinists (1774–1780)
Pick
Pick Straws (To)
Pick a Hole in his Coat (To)
Pickaninny
Pickelherringe
Pickers and Stealers
Pickle
Pickwick (Mr. Samuel)
Pickwickian
Picrochole
Picts
Picts Houses
Picture
Picture Bible
Picture Galleries
Pictures
Pie
Pie Corner (London)
Pie Poudre