Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Echo.

Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Echo.

Echidna (E-kid’-na).

Echo.

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Echo.

The Romans say that Echo was a nymph in love with Narcissus, but her love not being returned, she pined away till only her voice remained. We use the word to imply similarity of sentiment: as You echo my ideas; That is an echo to my opinion.

“Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv’st unseen

Within thy airy shell,

By slow Meänder’s margent green …

Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair

That likest thy Narcissus are?”

Milton: Comus, 230, etc.

Echidna (E-kid’-na).

Echo.

Click here to shop the Bartleby Bookstore.