E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lanterns.
Authors, literary men, and other inmates of Lantern-land (q.v.). Rabelais so calls the prelates and divines of the Council of Trent, who wasted the time in great displays of learning, to little profit; hence “lanternise” (q.v.).
