Brewer's: Mite

Sir Matthew Mite. A purseproud East Indian merchant, who gives his servants the most costly exotics, and overpowers everyone with the profusion of his wealth. (S. Foote: The Nabob.)

Lady Oldham says: “He comes amongst us preceded by all the pomp of Asia. Profusely scattering the spoils of conquered provinces, corrupting the virtue, and alienating the affections of all the old friends of the family.”

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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