E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bertha (Frau).
A German impersonation of the Epiphany, corresponding to the Italian Befana. Represented as a white lady, who steals softly into nurseries and rocks infants asleep in the absence of negligent nurses; she is, however, the terror of all naughty children. Her feet are very large, and she has an iron nose. (See BEFANA.)
