Brewer's: Oliver

Son and heir of Sir Rowland de Boys, who hated his youngest brother Orlando, and persuaded him to try a wrestling match with a professed wrestler, hoping thus to kill his brother; but when Orlando proved victorious, Oliver swore to set fire to his chamber when he was asleep. Orlando fled to the forest of Arden, and Oliver pursued him; but one day, as he slept in the forest, a snake and a lioness lurked near to make him their prey; Orlando happened to be passing, and slew the two monsters. When Oliver discovered this heroic deed he repented of his illconduct, and his sorrow so interested the Princess Celia that she fell in love with him, and they were married. (Shakespeare: As You Like It.)

Oliver

or Olivier. Charlemagne's favourite paladin, who, with Roland, rode by his side. He was Count of Genes, and brother of the beautiful Aude. His sword was called Hauteclaire, and his horse Ferrant d'Espagne.

A Rowland for an Oliver.

Tit for tat, quid pro quo. Dr. J.N. Scottsays that this proverb is modern, and owes its rise to the Cavaliers in the time of the Civil wars in England. These Cavaliers, by way of rebuff, gave the anti-monarchical party a General Monk for their Oliver Cromwell. As Monk's Christian name was George, it is hard to believe that the doctor is correct. (See Roland.)

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

Olivetans

Olive Branches