E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Popish Plot.
A plot in the reign of Charles II. to massacre the Protestants, burn London, and assassinate the king. Titus Oates invented this “wise” scheme, and obtained great wealth by revealing it; but ultimately he was pilloried, whipped, and imprisoned. (See GUNPOWDER PLOT.)
