E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ahith’ophel,
or Achit’ophel. A treacherous friend and adviser. Ahithophel was David’s counsellor, but joined Absalom in revolt, and advised him “like the oracle of God” (2 Sam. xvi. 20–23). In Dryden’s political satire, Achitophel stands for the Earl of Shaftesbury. (See ACHITOPHEL.)
