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The meaning and origin of the expression: An ill-favoured thing sir, but mine own

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An ill-favoured thing sir, but mine own

Meaning

Literal meaning - it may not be good, but it's the best I have to offer.

Origin

From Shakespeare's As You Like It, 1600:

TOUCHSTONE:
God 'ild you, sir; I desire you of the like. I
press in here, sir, amongst the rest of the country
copulatives, to swear and to forswear: according as
marriage binds and blood breaks: a poor virgin,
sir, an ill-favoured thing, sir, but mine own; a poor
humour of mine, sir, to take that that no man else
will: rich honesty dwells like a miser, sir, in a
poor house; as your pearl in your foul oyster.

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.