Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

Francis's Distemper

(St.). Impecuniosity; being moneyless. Those of the Order of St. Francis were not allowed to carry any money about them.

“I saw another case of gentlemen of St. Francis's distemper.” —Rabelais: Pantagruel, v. 21.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Franciscans
Francesca da Rimini
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More on Francis's Distemper from Fact Monster:

  • Francis's Distemper - Francis's Distemper (St.). Impecuniosity; being moneyless. Those of the Order of St. Francis ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: F - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "F"

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