E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jaffier (3 syl.),
in Venice Preserved, a tragedy by Otway. He joins the conspiracy of Pierre against the Venetian state, but communicates the secret to his wife Belvidera. Belvidera, being the daughter of a senator, is naturally anxious to save the life of Priuli, her father, and accordingly induces her husband to disclose the plot, under promise of pardon to all the conspirators. The plot being revealed, the senate condemned the conspirators to death; whereupon Jaffier stabbed Pierre to prevent his being broken on the wheel, and then stabbed himself.