E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Briton (Like a).
Vigorously, perseveringly. “To fight like a Briton” is to fight with indomitable courage. “To work like a Briton” is to work hard and perseveringly. Certainly, without the slightest flattery, dogged courage and perseverance are the strong characteristics of John Bull. A similar phrase is “To fight like a Trojan.”
