E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rewe.
A roll or slip; as Ragman’s Rewe. (See RAGMAN.)
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“There is a whole world of curious history contained in the phrase ‘ragman’s rewe,’ meaning a list, roll, catalogue, … charter, scroll of any kind. In Piers Plowman’s Vision it is used for the pope’s bull.”—Edinburgh Review, July, 1870.
“In Fescenium was first invented the joylitee of mynstrelsie and syngyng merrie songs for makyng laughter, hence called ‘Fescennia Carmina,’ which I translate a ‘Ragman’s Rewe’ or Bible.”—Udall.
