Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable/Abbot of Misrule

by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer

Abbot of Misrule, or Lord of Misrule. A person who used to superintend the Christmas diversions. In France the "Abbott of Misrule" was called L'abbé de Liesse (jollity). In Scotland the master of revels was called the "Master of Unreason."