(1575).
Dicil'la, one of Logistilla's handmaids, noted for her chastity.—Ariosto, Orlanda Furioso (1516).
Dick, ostler at the Seven Stars inn, York.—Sir W. Scott, Heart of Midlothian (time, Greorge II.).
Dick, called "The Devil's Dick of Hellgarth;" a falconer and follower of the earl of Douglas.—Sir W. Scott, Fair Maid of Perth (time, Henry IV.).
Dick (Mr.), an amiable, half-witted man, devoted to David's "aunt," Miss Betsey Trotwood, who thinks him a prodigious genius. Mr. Dick is especially mad on the subject of Charles I.—C. Dickens, David Copperfield (1849).
Dick Amlet, the son of Mrs. Amlet, a rich, vulgar tradeswoman. Dick assumes the airs of a fine gentleman, and calls himself Colonel Shapely, in which character he gets introduced to Corinna, the daughter of Gripe, a rich scrivener. Just as he is about to elope, his mother makes her appearance, and the deceit is laid bare; but Mrs. Amlet promises to give her son £10,000, and so the wedding is adjusted. Dick is a regular scamp, and wholly without principle; but being a dashing young blade, with a handsome person, he is admired by the ladies.—Sir John Vanbrugh, The Confederacy (1695).
Dick Shakebag, a highwayman in the gang of Captain Colepepper (the Alsatian bully).—Sir W. Scott, Fortunes of Nigel (time, James I).
Dickson (Thomas) farmer at Douglasdale.
Charles Dickson, son of the above, killed in the church.—Sir W. Scott, Castle Dangerous (time, Henry I.).
Dicta'tor of Letters, Francois Marie Arouet de Voltaire, called the "Great Pan" (1694-1778).