Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Toby (the dog),

Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Toby (the dog),

Tobo’sian.

Toby.

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Toby (the dog),

in Punchinello, wears a frill garnished with bells, to frighten away the devil from his master. This is a very old superstition. (See PASSING BELL.)

The Chinese and other nations make a great noise at death to scare away evil spirits. “Keening” is probably based on the same superstition.

Tobo’sian.

Toby.

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