E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Brass.
Impudence. A lawyer said to a troublesome witness, “Why, man, you have brass enough in your head to make a teakettle.” “And you, sir,” replied the witness, “have water enough in yours to fill it.”
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Sampson Brass. A knavish attorney; servile, affecting sympathy, but making his clients his lawful prey. (Dickens: Old Curiosity Shop.)
