E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pride’s Purge.
The Long Parliament, not proving itself willing to condemn Charles I., was purged of its unruly members by Colonel Pride, who entered the House with two regiments of soldiers, imprisoned sixty members, drove one hundred and sixty out into the streets, and left only sixty of the most complaisant.
