1 definition by 345790
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 24, 2010