pearmonger
(ˈpɛəˌmʌŋgə(r))
[f. pear n. + monger.]
A dealer in pears. Usu. in alliterative phrase as pert as a pearmonger.
| 1565 J. Harding Confut. Jewell's Apol. v. v. 247 Here pricketh forth this hasty Defender, as peart as a peare⁓monger. a 1732 Gay New Song on New Similies 9 Pert as a pear-monger I'd be, If Molly were but kind. 1738 Swift Pol. Conversat. 69 You are as pert as a Pearmonger this Morning. 1835 [see pert a. 4 a]. |