Hoist from his own petard

Posted by Word Camel on December 19, 2005

In the origins and definitions section of the site, it makes reference to the French word 'péter', to fart.

I recently saw an article that claims that it is "...a phrase that derives, entirely appropriately, from the old French for being "blown up by your own fart". " Naturally there were no references provided.

Any French speakers able to confirm or deny?

It's all rather Wile E Coyote-esque.

thanks,

Camelita

• Hoist from his own petard David FG 19/December/05
  • Hoist from his own petard Victoria S Dennis 19/December/05