Scornful Dogs will eat dirty Puddings

In emergency men will do many things they would scorn to do in easy circumstances. Darius and Alexander will drink dirty water and think it nectar when distressed with thirst. Kings and queens, to make good their escape in times of danger, will put on the most menial disguise. And hungry men will not be over particular as to the food they eat.

“‘All nonsense and pride,ʹ said the laird… . ‘Scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings.ʹ”—Sir W. Scott: Redgauntlet, chap. xi.

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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.