E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Anthony (St.). Patron saint or swineherds, because he always lived in woods and forests.
St. Anthonys Cross. The taucross, called a lace.
St. Anthonys Fire. Erysipelas is so called from the tradition that those who sought the intercession of St. Anthony recovered from the pestilential erysipelas called the sacred fire, which proved extremely fatal in 1089.
St. Anthonys Pig. A pet pig, the smallest of the whole litter. St. Anthony was originally a swineherd, and, therefore, the patron saint of pigs.