[Ads-l] Antedating of "Dark Horse" (Figurative)

[Shapiro, Fred]

dark horse (OED, 2., 1832)

The figurative use of the term "dark horse" has long been attributed to the great statesman-novelist Benjam Disraeli in 1832.  Here is an earlier occurrence:

1830 Western Times (Exeter, Devon, England) 11 Sept. 3/2 (Newspapers.com)

Whether Mr. Bastard was again to be dragged forward, or what embryo candidate would be produced after tomorrow's dinner, he supposed these gentlemen would condescend to inform us.  He had heard, that already in some parts, an active canvass had already been commenced, for what in the Newmarket phrase, was called a Dark Horse.

Fred Shapiro

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