Ainsworth has introduced into Rookwood Turpin’s famous ride to York on his steed, Black Bess. It is said that Maginn really wrote this powerful description (1834).
Turpin (The French Dick) is Cartouche, an eighteenth century highwayman. W. H. Ainsworth made him the hero of a romance (1841).
Tur´quine (Sir) had sixty-four of King Arthur’s knights in prison, all of whom he had vanquished by his own hand. He hated Sir Launcelot, because he had slain his brother, Sir Car´ados, at the Dolorous Tower. Sir Launcelot challenged Sir Turquine to a trial of strength, and slew him, after which he liberated the captive knights.--Sir T. Malory, History of Prince Arthur, i. 108-110 (1470).
Turquoise (2 syl.), a blue material found in Persia, the exact nature of which is not known. Sundry virtues are attached to it: (1) It indicates by its hue the state of the wearer’s health; (2) it indicates by its change of lustre if any peril awaits the wearer; (3) it removes animosity between the giver and the receiver; (4) it is a potent love-charm, and hence Leah gave a turquoise ring to Shylock “when he was a bachelor,” in order to make him propose to her.
Tur´veydrop (Mr.), a selfish, self-indulgent, conceited dancing-master, who imposes on the world by his majestic appearance and elaborate toilette. He lives on the earnings of his son (named Prince, after the prince regent), who reveres him as a perfect model of “deportment.”--C. Dickens, Bleak House (1852).
Tuscan Poet (The), Ludovico Ariosto, born at Reggio, in Modena (1474-1533). Noted for his poem entitled Orlando Furioso.
The Tuscan poet doth advance
The frantic paladin of France.
Drayton, Nymphidia (1563-1631).
Tutivillus, the demon who collects all the fragments of words omitted, mutilated, or mispronounced by priests in the performance of religious services, and stores them up in that “bottomless” pit which is “paved with good intentions.”--Langland, Visions of Piers Plowman, 547 (1362); and the Townley Mysteries, 310, 319, etc.