† diego Obs.
(ˈdjeːgəʊ)
[Sp. Diego, the Christian name James, being that of the patron saint of Spain; see also Don Diego s.v. don.]
1. A name for a Spaniard: cf. Dago. (Also attrib.)
| c 1611 J. Taylor (Water P.) Laugh & be Fat, Wks. (1630) 72/1 Next followes one, whose lines aloft doe raise Don Coriat, chiefe Diego of our daies. To praise thy booke, or thee, he knowes not whether, It makes him study to praise both, or neither. 1659 Davenant Play-House to Let iii. Dram. Wks. 1873 IV. 55 The Diegos we'll board to rummage their hold. 1667 Dryden Sir Martin Mar-all ii. ii. This hungry Diego rogue. 1687 M. Clifford Notes Dryden (N.), That were as Diego said of the poor of his parish, All the parish. |
2. A Spanish sword, or one of the same sort.
| 1709 Steele Tatler No. 39 ¶40 Insulted by a Bully with a long Diego. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Diego, a very strong and heavy sword. |
3. Name of a variety of pear.
| 1664 Evelyn Kal. Hort. (1729) 21 Pears..Bing's Pear, Bishop's Pear (baking), Diego [etc.]. |