> as lemmas

1780 T. Davies Mem. Life David Garrick II. xlvi. 244 Mr. Garrick used to say, that he would beat Barry's head off in telling all stories but Irish ones.

1855 Sporting Rev. Jan. 33 Sam informed his brother..that he could ‘lick their heads off’.

1856 G. L. H. in V. Dayrell Weeds from Isis 39 ‘Scroggins’ won the Rio Branco Derby, beating ‘Cauliflower's’ head off.

1880 Brentano's Monthly Dec. 246 Don't let W. G. read this. Alfred Mynn would have licked W. G.'s head off at single wicket.

1885 Jrnl. Educ. Jan. 49/1 A. would gain a scholarship at X. College, while B., who could beat A.'s head off at school, was rejected at Y. college.

1929 J. B. Booth London Town ix. 157 Market men..who periodically dropped in to state..that at balancing bushel baskets they could ‘lick Mullins' head off’.

1938 Times 27 May 7/1 He not only beat him, but beat his head off.

1948 Bradford (Pa.) Era 25 Sept. 3/2 West could win the next lead and beat his head off with hearts and clubs.