A Roman hero, representative of inflexible purity and honesty.
The ancient writers love to tell of the frugal way in which he lived on
his hereditary farm; how he refused the rich presents offered him by
the Samnite ambassadors; and how at death he left no portion for his
daughters, whom the senate provided for.
“Fabricius, scorner of all-conquering gold.”
Thomson: Seasons (Winter).
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
