E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dobbins (Humphrey).
The valet-de-chambre and factotum of Sir Robert Bramble, of Blackbury Hall, in the county of Kent. A blunt, rough-spoken old retainer, full of the milk of human kindness, and most devoted to his master. (G. Colman: The Poor Gentleman.)
