boo-bagger / boo-beggar

boo n A77. _Boo-bagger/Boo-beggar_ This compound is evidently derived from _bull-begger_, which itself is of obscure origin: "As the obvious combination _bull_ + _beggar_ does not appear to yield a suitable sense, it is generally assumed that there must have been some alteration under the influ...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Format: Manuscript
Language:English
Published: 1972
Subjects:
Online Access:http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/11390
Description
Summary:boo n A77. _Boo-bagger/Boo-beggar_ This compound is evidently derived from _bull-begger_, which itself is of obscure origin: "As the obvious combination _bull_ + _beggar_ does not appear to yield a suitable sense, it is generally assumed that there must have been some alteration under the influence of 'popular etymology', e.g. that it is a (further) alteration of _bull-bear_; or that the second element has been altered from _boggard_, _buggart_ 'bogle'. But evidence is entirely wanting. The word was sometimes used with a punning allusion to the Papal BULL, and to BEGGAR."86 The _OED_, which cites the first appearance of the word in literature in Scot's _Discoverie of Witchcraft_ in 1584, refers the reader to the word _bull-bear_ for the definition of _bull-_ Yes (card (a)) (PTO) JH 7/76 Used I and Sup Used I and Sup 4 Not used