E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Co’nan.
The Thersi’ts of “Fingal;” brave even to rashness.
1
Blow for blow or claw for claw, as Conan said. Conan made a vow never to take a blow without returning it; when he descended into the infernal regions, the arch-fiend gave him a cuff, which Conan instantly returned, saying “Claw for claw.”
2
“‘Blow for blow,’ as Conan said to the devil.”—Scott: Waverley, chap. xxii.
s of “Fingal;” brave even to rashness.
