† ˈbelˌswagger Obs.
Also bell-, belly-.
[Perhaps a contr. of belly-swagger (as in Ash) ‘one who swags or sways his belly.’]
A swaggering gallant or bully; a whoremonger, pimp.
| 1592 Greene Def. Coney-catch. (1859) 47 [Nothing] can draw them from the love of the Poligamoi or bel-swaggers of the country. 1680 Dryden Kind Kpr. iv. i. Wks. IV. 337 Fifty Guineas! Dost thou think I'll sell my self?..thou impudent Belswagger. 1721 Bailey, Bellswagger, a swaggering Fellow, a hectoring Blade, a Bully. 1775 Ash, Belly-swagger, a bully, a hectoring fellow. Belswagger, a whore⁓master. |