Chapter Ordinary to Orlando of O by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Oriflamme (3 syl.). First used in France as a national banner in 1119. It consisted of a crimson flag mounted on a gilt staff (un glaive tout doré ou est attaché une bannière vermeille). The flag was cut into three “vandykes” to represent “tongues of fire,” and between each was a silken tassel. This celebrated standard was the banner of St. Denis; but when the Counts of Vexin became possessed of the abbey the banner passed into their hands. In 1082 Philippe I. united Vexin to the crown, and the sacred Oriflamme belonged to the king. It was carried to the field after the battle of Agincourt, in 1415. The romance writers say that “mescreans” (infidels) were blinded by merely looking on it. In the Roman de Garin the Saracens are represented as saying, “If we only set eyes on it we are all dead men” (“Se's attendons tuit sommes mors el pris”). Froissart says it was no sooner unfurled at Rosbecq than the fog cleared off, leaving the French in light, while their enemies remained in misty darkness still. (Or, gold, referring to the staff; flamme, flame, referring to the tongues of fire.)

Origenists An early Christian sect who drew their opinions from the writings of Origen. They maintained Christ to be the Son of God only by adoption, and denied the eternity of future punishments.

Original Sin That corruption which is born with us, and is the inheritance of all the offspring of Adam. As Adam was the federal head of his race, when Adam fell the taint and penalty of his disobedience passed to all his posterity.

Oril'o or Orillo (in Orlando Furioso, book viii.). A magician and robber who lived at the mouth of the Nile. He was the son of an imp and fairy. When any limb was lopped off he restored it by his magic power, and when his head was cut off he put it on his neck again. Astolpho encountered him, cut off his head, and fled with it. Orillo mounted his horse and gave chase. Meanwhile Astolpho with his sword cut the hair from the head. Life was in one particular hair, and as soon as that was severed the head died, and the magician's body fell lifeless.

Orinda called the “Incomparable,” was Mrs. Katherine Philipps, who lived in the reign of Charles II., and died of small-pox. Her praises were sung by Cowley, Dryden, and others. (See Dryden's Ode To the Memory of Mrs. Anne Killigrew.)

Orion A giant hunter, noted for his beauty. He was blinded by Œnopion, but Vulcan sent Cedalion to be his guide, and his sight was restored by exposing his eyeballs to the sun. Being slain by Diana, he was made one of the constellations, and is supposed to be attended with stormy weather. “Assurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion.” (Virgil: Æneid, i. 539.)

“As beautiful as Orion.” Homer: Iliad, xviii.

   Wife of Orion. Sidê
   Dogs of Orion. Arctophonos and Ptoöphagos.

Orkborne (Dr.). A learned student, very dry and uncompanionable; very particular over his books, and the tutor of Eugenia, the niece of Sir Hugh. He is a character in Camilla, the third novel of Mme. D'Arblay. Eugenia was deformed owing to an accident partly caused by her uncle; and Sir Hugh, to make the best compensation in his power, appointed Dr. Orkborne to educate her, and also left her heiress to his estates.

“Mr. Oldbuck hated putting to rights as much as Dr. Orkborne, or any other professed student.” - Scott: Antiquary.

Orkneys Either the Teutonic Ork-n-eys (the water or islands of the whirlpool), in allusion to the two famous whirlpools near the Isle of Swinna; or else the Norwegian Orkeyjar (northern islands), the Hebrides being the Sudreyjar, or southern islands.

Orlando The youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys. At a wrestling match the banished duke's daughter, Rosalind, who took a lively interest in Orlando, gave him a chain, saying, “Gentleman, wear this for me.” Orlando, flying because of his brother's hatred, met Rosalind in the forest of Arden, disguised as a country lad, seeking to join her father. In time they become acquainted with each other, and the duke assented to their union. (Shakespeare: As You Like It.) (See Oliver. )
   Orlando, called Rotolando or Roland, and Rutlandus in the Latin chronicles of the Middle Ages, the paladin, was lord of Anglant, knight of Brava, son of Milo d'Anglesis and Bertha, sister of Charlemagne. Though married to Aldabella, he fell in love