E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Human Sacrifice.
A custom still subsisting seems to prove that the Egyptians formerly sacrificed a young virgin to the god of the Nile, for they now make a statue of clay in shape of a girl, which they call the “betrothed bride,” and throw it into the river. (Savary.)
