† ˈbench-ˌwhistler Obs.
One who sits idly whistling on a bench: a term of reproach.
| 1542 Boorde Dyetary viii. 245 Fye on the, benche-whystler, wylt thou sterte away nowe? 1607 Chapman All Fooles Plays (1873) I. 137 Y'are but bench-whistlers now a dayes to them that were in our times. 1618 Hornby Sco. Drunk. (1859) 17 He that will not drinke off his whole scowre Is a bench-whistler. |