Wycherley comb

English

Etymology

Apparently associated with William Wycherley, English dramatist (1641–1716).

Noun

Wycherley comb (plural Wycherley combs)

1. (now historical) A tortoiseshell comb.
   • 1828, J. T. Smith, Nollekens and His Times, Century Hutchinson, published 1986, page 68:

     ‘You might just as well,’ continued she, ‘praise the carvings upon a Wycherley comb, so carefully preserved by the collectors of old china and such gimcracks.’

   • 1829, [Edward Bulwer-Lytton], “The Beau in His Den, and a Philosopher Discovered”, in Devereux. A Tale. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, book II, page 194:

     On a huge tomb-like table, in the middle of the room, lay two pencilled profiles of Mr. Fielding, a pawnbroker's ticket, a pair of ruffles, a very little muff, an immense broadsword, a Wycherly comb, a jackboot, and an old plumed hat;— […]

   • 2013, John Steane, James Ayres, Traditional Buildings in the Oxford Region, page 415:

     A comb made of South American tortoiseshell was found. These were used from the 17th century, hence the ‘Wycherley comb’, named after the dramatist William Wycherley (1641–1715).