E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Don Quixote (2 syl.).
A gaunt country gentleman of La Mancha, gentle and dignified, affectionate and simpleminded, but so crazed by reading books of knight-errantry that he believes himself called upon to redress the wrongs of the whole world, and actually goes forth to avenge the oppressed and run a tilt with their oppressors. The word Quixote means The cuish-armed. (See QUIXOTIC.)
1
A Don Quixote. A dreamy, unpractical man, with a “bee in his bonnet.”
