Abraham-Cupid

Abraham-Cupid. An expression occurring in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" (act ii., scene 1), conjectured by Upton to be a mistake for Adam Cupid, and to allude to Adam Bell, the celebrated archer. In Halliwell's opinion, "the conjecture is very plausible, as proper names are frequently abbreviated in early MSS., and it suits the sense of meter." But Dyce thinks that Abraham is merely a corruption of auburn, and supports his view by citing several passages from old books where the corruption is unquestionable. Mr. R. G. White remarks, in confirmation of Dyce's conjecture, that "Cupid is always represented by the old painters as auburn-haired."


An Explanatory and Pronouncing Dictionary of the Noted Names of Fiction; including also familiar pseudonyms, surnames bestowed on eminent men, and analogous popular appellations often referred to in literature and conversation.
By William A. Wheeler.
Nineteenth Edition.
Boston
Houghton, Mifflin and Company
1884

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Omnipædia Polyglotta
Francisco López Rodríguez
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