E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Roderigo.
A Venetian gentleman in Shakespeare’s Othello. He was in love with Desdemona, and when the lady eloped with Othello, hated the “noble Moor.” Iago took advantage of this temper for his own ends, told his dupe the Moor will change, therefore “put money in thy purse.” The burden of his advice was always the same—“Put money in thy purse.”
1
This word is sometimes pronounced Rod’r-igo: e.g. “It is as sure as you are Roderigo;” and sometimes Rode-ri’go: e.g. “On, good Roderigo; I’ll deserve your pains.” (Act i. scene 1.)
