† abbey-lubber
(ˌæbɪˈlʌbə(r))
A lazy monk; a reproachful name in regular use after the Reformation.
| 1538 Starkey England 131 (1871) The nuryschyng also of a grete sorte of idul abbey-lubbarys wych are apte to no thyng but as the byschoppys and abbotys be, only to ete and drynke. 1589 Thomas Nashe Anat. Absur. 7 Those exiled Abbie-lubbers, from whose idle pens, proceeded those worne out impressions of the feyned no where acts, of Arthur of the rounde table. 1611 Cotgr., Archimarmitonerastique, an Abbey-lubber, or Arch-frequenter of the Cloyster beefe-pot, or beefe-boyler. 1655 Moffett & Bennet Health's Improv. (1746) 365 Maximinus the Emperor, who, like our old Abbay-lubbers, did eat till he sweat. 1693 W. Robertson Phras. Gen. 446 A porridge-belly Friar, an abbey lubber. 1705 Hickeringill Priest-Cr. ii. iv. 45 The Dissolutions of Monasteries, that fed Abbey-Lubbers and wanton Nuns. |
Comb. abbey-lubber-like.
| 1570 B. Googe Popish Kingdome ii. 23 So abby lubber lyke they liue, & Lordes they called bee. |