Web www.phrases.org.uk

The Devil incarnate

Meaning

The Devil in human form.

Origin

From Shakespeare's King Henry V and Titus Andronicus:

Henry V - Boy: Yes, that a' did; and said they were devils
incarnate.

Titus Andronicus - LUCIUS: O worthy Goth, this is the incarnate devil
That robb'd Andronicus of his good hand;
This is the pearl that pleased your empress' eye,
And here's the base fruit of his burning lust.
Say, wall-eyed slave, whither wouldst thou convey
This growing image of thy fiend-like face?
Why dost not speak? what, deaf? not a word?
A halter, soldiers! hang him on this tree.
And by his side his fruit of bastardy.

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.