Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—E

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.

Echo

(Gr., eko; verb, ekeo, to sound.)

To applaud to the echo.
To appland so loudly as to produce an echo.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Eckhardt
Echidna
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