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Nov 10, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Punic Faith

Treachery, violation of faith. “Punic faith” is about equal to “Spanish honesty.” The Puni (a corruption of Poeni) were accused by the Romans of breaking faith with them, a most extraordinary instance of the “pot calling the kettle black;” for whatever infidelity the Carthaginians were guilty of, it could scarcely equal that of their accusers.

The Roman Poeni is the word Phoeni (Phoenicians), the Carthaginians being of Phoenician descent.

Our Punic faith
Is infamous, and branded to a proverb.

Addison: Cato, ii.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Punish a Bottle
Punic Apple
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More on Punic Faith from Infoplease:

  • Punic Faith - Punic Faith Treachery, violation of faith. “Punic faith” is about equal to ...
  • Attic Faith - Attic Faith Inviolable faith, the very opposite of “Punic Faith.” Source: Dictionary of ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: P - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "P"
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