E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
F.
F is written on his face. “Rogue” is written on his face. The letter F used to be branded near the nose, on the left cheek of felons, on their being admitted to “benefit of clergy.” The same was used for brawling in church. The custom was not abolished by-law till 1822.
