E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Stormy Petrel (A).
An ill omen; a bad augury.
1
“Dr. von Esmarch is regarded at court as a stormy petrel, and every effort was made to conceal his visit to the German emperor.”—The World, 6th April, 1892, p. 15.
