Burke, n.
(bɜːk)
A colloquial designation of ‘A General and Heraldic Dictionary of the Peerage and Baronetage of the United Kingdom’, the first edition of which, issued in 1826, was compiled by John Burke (1787–1848). Also transf.
| 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair li. 451 Her ladyship is of the Kingstreet family, see Debrett and Burke. 1901 F. H. Burnett Making of Marchioness i. iii. 41 ‘If we were not in Debrett and Burke, one might be reserved about such matters,’ poor Lady Claraway wrote. 1966 D. Francis Flying Finish i. 7 Bastard I was not: not with parents joined by bishop with half Debrett and Burke in the pews. |