Chapter Blacks to Bleak House of B by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Blandina, wi fe of the churlish knight Turpin, who refused hospitality to sir Calepine and his lady Serena (canto 3). She had “the art of a suasive tongue.” and most engaging manners; but “her words were only words, and all her tears were water” (canto 7).—Spenser: Faërie queene, iv. (1596).

Blandish, a “practised parasite.” His sister says to him, “May you find but half your own vanity in those you have to work on!” (act i. I).

Miss Letitia Blandish, sister of the above, a fawning timeserver, who sponges on the wealthy. She especially toadies Miss Alscrip “the heiress,” flattering her vanity, fostering her conceit, and encouraging her vulgar affectations.—Burgoyne: The Heiress (1781).

Blane (Niell), town piper and publican.

Jenny Blane, his daughter.—Sir W. Scott: Old Mortality (time, Charles II.).

Blaney, a wealthy heir, ruined by dissipation.—Crabbe: Borough (1810).

Blarney (Lady), one of the flash women introduced by squire Thornhill to the Primrose family.—Goldsmith: Vicar of Wakefield (1765).

Blasphemous Balfour. Sir James Balfour, the Scottish judge, was so called from his apostasy (died 1583).

Blatant Beast (The), the personification of slander or public opinion. The beast had 100 roo tongues and sting. Sir Artegal muzzled the monster, and dragged it to Faëry-land, but it broke loose and regained its liberty. Subsequently sir Calidore, went in quest of it.—Spenser: Faërie Queene, v. and vi. (1596). “Mrs. Grundy” is the modern name of Spenser’s “Blatant Beast.”

Blathers and Duff, detectives who investigate the burglary in which Bill Sikes had a hand. Blathers relates the tale of Conkey Chickweed, who robbed himself of 327 guineas.—Dickens: Oliver Twist (1837).

Blattergrowl (The Rev. Mr.), minister of Trotcosey, near Monkbarns.—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary (time, Elizabeth).

Bleak House, a novel by C. Dickens (1852). The main story is the interminable law-suit of Jarndycev. Jarndyce(q.v.).