E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gratia’no.
Brother of the Venetian senator, Brabantio. (Shakespeare: Othello.)
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Also a character in The Merchant of Venice, who “talks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice.” He is one of Bassanio’s friends, and when the latter marries Portia, Gratiano marries Nerissa, Portia’s maid.
