E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gradas’so.
A bully; so called from Gradasso, King of Serica’na, called by Ariosto “the bravest of the Pagan knights.” He went against Charlemagne with 100,000 vassals in his train, all “discrowned kings,” who never addressed him but on their knees. (Orlando Furioso and Orlando Innamorato.)
