Brewer's: Michael

Prince of the celestial armies, commanded by God to drive the rebel angels out of heaven. Gabriel was next to him in command. (See Seven Spirits.)

Longfellow, in his Golden Legend, says he is the presiding spirit of the planet Mercury, and brings to man the gift of prudence.

The planet Mercury, whose place Is nearest to the sun in space. Is my allotted sphere; And with celestial ardour swift I bear upon my hands the gift Of heavenly prudence here.

The Miracle Play. iii.

St. Michael,

in Christian art, is sometimes depicted as a beautiful young man with severe countenance, winged, and either clad in white or armour, bearing a lance and shield, with which he combats a dragon. In the final judgment he is represented with scales, in which he weighs the souls of the risen dead.

St. Michael's chair.

It is said that any woman who has sat on St. Michael's chair, Cornwall, will rule the roost as long as she lives.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Michael Angelo

Micawberism