_White-livered_ (Vol. v., p. 127.).--The expression _white-livered_ had
its origin in the auspices taken by the Greeks and Romans before battle,
in which the examination of the liver and entrails of the victim formed
an essential part. If the liver were the usual shape, and a blood-red
colour, the omen was favourable; if pale or livid, it was an augury of
defeat. The transition from the victim to the inquirer was easy, and a
dastard leader, likely to sustain disgrace, was called "a man of a white
liver."