Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Colt’s-tooth.

Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Colt’s-tooth.

Colt’s Revolver.

Col’umbine (3 syl.).

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

Colt’s-tooth.

The love of youthful pleasure. Chaucer uses the word “coltish” for skittish. Horses have at three years old the colt’s-tooth. The allusion is to the colt’s teeth of animals, a period of their life when their passions are strongest.

“Her merry dancing-days are done;

She has a colt’s-tooth still, I warrant.”

King: Orpheus and Eurydice

“Well said, Lord Sands;

Your colt’s-tooth is not cast yet.”

Shakespeare: Henry VIII., i. 3.

Colt’s Revolver.

Col’umbine (3 syl.).

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