345790's definitions
This derives from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, 1596. The insistence by Shylock of the payment of Antonio's flesh is the central plot device of the play:
SHYLOCK:
The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is deerely bought, 'tis mine, and I will have it.
The figurative use of the phrase to refer to any lawful but nevertheless unreasonable recompense dates to the late 18th century.
SHYLOCK:
The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is deerely bought, 'tis mine, and I will have it.
The figurative use of the phrase to refer to any lawful but nevertheless unreasonable recompense dates to the late 18th century.
by 345790 September 25, 2010
Get the pound of flesh mug.