| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Roper. | | |
|
Margaret Roper was buried with the head of her father. Sir Thomas More, in her arms. | 1 |
| |
| “Her, who clasped in her last trance |
| Her murdered father’s head.” | |
|
|
|
|
Mistress Roper. A cant name given to the marines by British sailors. The wit, of course, lies in the awkward way that marines handle the ship’s ropes. | 2 |
|
To marry Mistress Roper is to enlist in the marines. | 3 |
| |
|
|
