E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Malbec’co.
A “cankered, crabbed earl,” very wealthy, but miserly and mean. He seems to be the impersonation of self-inflicted torments. He married a young wife named Helenore, who set fire to his house, and eloped with Sir Pari’del. Malbecco cast himself over a high rock, and all his flesh vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but his ghost, which was metamorphosed into Jealousy. (Spenser: Faërie Queene, book iii.)
