E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hobson’s Choice.
This or none. Tobi’as Hobson was a carrier and inn-keeper at Cambridge, who erected the handsome conduit there, and settled “seven lays” of pasture ground towards its maintenance. “He kept a stable of forty good cattle, always ready and fit for travelling; but when a man came for a horse he was led into the stable, where there was great choice, but was obliged to take the horse which stood nearest to the stable-door; so that every customer was alike well served, according to his chance, and every horse ridden with the same justice.” (Spectator, No. 509.)
1
Milton wrote two quibbling epitaphs upon this eccentric character.
2
“Why is the greatest of free communities reduced to Hobson’s choice?”—The Times.
