Osman or Othoman, surnamed the Conqueror. Founder of the Turkish power, from whom the empire is called the Ottoman, and the Turks are called Osmans, Othmans, Osmanli etc. Peter the Great, being hemmed in by the Turks on the banks of the
Pruth, was rescued by his wife, Catherine, who negotiated a peace with
the Grand Vizier.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
