E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hurlo-Thrumbo.
A ridiculous burlesque, which in 1730 had an extraordinary run at the Haymarket theatre. So great was its popularity that a club
called “The Hurlo-Thrumbo Society” was formed. The author was Samuel Johnson, a half-mad dancing master, who put this motto on the title-page when the burlesque was printed:—
