E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dun’stable.
Bailey, as if he actually believed it, gives the etymology of this word Duns’ stable; adding Duns or “Dunus was a robber in the reign of Henry I., who made it dangerous for travellers to pass that way.” (Dunes or duns tacell, our table—i.e. the table-land or flat of the hills.)
1
Downright Dunstable. (See DOWNRIGHT.)
2
Plain as the road to Dunstable; or, as Shakespeare says, “Plain as way to parish church.” The road leading to Dunstable is the confluence of many leading to London, but the play is on the word dunce.
