E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Antæ’os,
in Greek mythology, was a gigantic wrestler, whose strength was invincible so long as he touched the earth; and every time he was lifted from it, was renewed by touching it again. (See MALE’GAR.)
1
“As once Antæos, on the Libyan strand,
More flerce recovered when he reached the sand.”
Hoole’s Ariosto, book iv.
It was Hercules who succeeded in killing this charmed giant. He
2
“Lifts proud Antæos from his mother’s plains,
And with strong grasp the struggling giant strains;
