Lilly Livered

Posted by Lewis on May 17, 2004

In Reply to: Lilly Livered posted by Paulin Lynch on May 17, 2004

: Can anyone please tell me where the term ' lilly livered' came from ?

: Thanks in advance.
: Pauline

Lilies are usually white, liver is full of blood and should be dark red/brown. to be "lily-livered" is to be lacking in full-bloodedness, sangfroid or other attribute based upon being bloody, bold and absolute. doubtless The Bard made reference to it.

• Lilly Livered James Briggs 17/May/04