E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pocket Pistol (Queen Bess’s).
A formidable piece of ordnance given to Queen Elizabeth by the Low Countries in recognition of her efforts to protect them in their reformed religion. It used to overlook the Channel from Dover Cliffs, but in 1894 was removed to make room for a battery of modern guns. It is said that it contains in Flemish the equivalent of the following words:—
