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Nov 19, 2008
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—I

Ice-brook

A sword of ice-brook temper. Of the very best quality. The Spaniards used to plunge their swords and other weapons, while hot from the forge, into the brook Salo [Xalon], near Bilbilis, in Celtiberia, to harden them. The water of this brook is very cold.

“It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook temper.”

Shakespeare: Othello, v. 2.

Sævo Bilbilin optimam metallo
Et ferro Plateam suo sonantem
Quam fluctu tenui sed inquieto
Armorum Salo temperator ambit.

Martial.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Ice Saints
Ice-blink
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More on Ice-brook from Infoplease:

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