| 释义 |
† Caˈtaian, a. Obs.
A variant of Cathaian, a man of Cathay or China; ‘used also to signify a sharper, from the dexterous thieving of those people’ (Nares); ? a thief, scoundrel, blackguard.
[1577Eden & Willes Hist. Trav. 237 The Cathaian kyng is woont to graunt free accesse vnto..forreiners.] 1598Shakes. Merry W. ii. i. 148, I will not beleeue such a Cataian, though the Priest o' th' Towne commended him for a true man. 1601― Twel. N. ii. iii. 80 My Lady's a Catayan. 1630Dekker 2nd Pt. Honest Wh. Wks. 1873 II. 143 Ile make a wild Cataine of forty such: hang him, he's an Asse. 1649Davenant Love & Hon. (N.) Hang him, bold Cataian, he indites finely. |