(Humphrey). Hero of Smollett's novel so called. The
general scheme of Oliver Twist resembles it. Humphrey is a
workhouse boy, put out apprentice; but being afterwards reduced to
great want, he attracts the notice of Mr Bramble, who takes him into
his service. He turns out to be Bramble's natural son, and falls in
love with Winifred Jenkins, Miss Bramble's maid.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
