Definition of "pickle-herring" [pic•kle-her•ring]

• A herring preserved in brine; a pickled herring. (noun)
• A Merry Andrew; a buffoon. (noun)

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• "How? soul of a pickle-herring, body of a spagirical tosspot, doublet of motley, and mantle of pilgrim, how art thou transmuted!"
• "Others are Mother Goose and nursery tales; -- others bad tragedies or pickle-herring farces; and others, like that of the landlady's daughter at the Star, sweet love-anthologies, and songs of the affections."
• "Others are Mother Goose and nursery tales; — others bad tragedies or pickle-herring farces; and others, like that of the landlady's"