E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Harris.
Mrs. Harris. An hypothetical lady, to whom Sarah Gamp referred for the corroboration of all her statements, and the bank on which she might draw to any extent for self-praise. (Dickens: Martin Chuzzlewit.) (See BROOKS OF SHEFFIELD.)
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“Not Mrs. Harris in the immortal narrative was more quoted and more mythical.”—Lord Lytton.
