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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—I

Ivy Bush

Like an owl in an ivy-bush. Having a sapient, vacant look, as some persons have when in their cups; having a stupid vacant stare. Owls are proverbial for their judge-like solemnity, and ivy is the favourite plant of Bacchus. Gray, in his Elegy, refers to the Owl and the Ivy.

From yonder ivy-mantled tower
The moping owl doth to the moon complain
Of such as, wandering near her secret bower,
Molest her ancient solitary reign.

Stanzs 3.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Ivy Lane
Ivy
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More on Ivy Bush from Infoplease:

  • Ivy Bush - Ivy Bush Like an owl in an ivy-bush. Having a sapient, vacant look, as some persons have when in ...
  • Owl in an Ivy Bush - Owl in an Ivy Bush (Like an). Very ugly, a horrible fright [of a fellow]. Said of (or to) a person ...
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  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: I - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "I"
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