Nessus shirt

[Gregory]

(1) In Greek mythology, the shirt given to Hercules after the poisonous blood of the slain centaur [Nessus] had been smeared on it .

(2) Used allusively, to denote any destructive or expiatory force or influence. -- [Oxford English Dictionary] {This dictionary is far and away the very best, the most complete dictionary of the English language. See www.[oed].com }.

{From the Oxford English Dictionary}:

Nessus, n.

{ ‘ Used allusively in compounds and phrases (as Nessus-robe, Nessus shirt; Nessus shirt, shirt of Nessus), to denote any destructive or expiatory force or influence. }

Etymology: < Nessus (classical Latin Nessus, ancient Greek Νέσσος), the name of the centaur slain by Hercules, in classical mythology, whose blood later poisoned Hercules after he was given a garment smeared with it to wear.