Arʹetine (3 syl.),
or rather Pietro Aretino, patronised by François I of France. A poet noted for his disreputable life and licentious verses. (1492–1557.)
“[Shakespeare] tried his hand with Aretine on a licentious subject.”—Steevens.
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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.