slang. [According to Col. Yule, and others, an Anglo-Indian representation of Hindi Bāp re! O father!, a common exclamation of surprise or grief. Forby has it in 1830 as East Anglian dialect; and it has been plausibly (as to the form) referred to Sp. boberia folly; but the evidence for its origination in India is decisive.] Noise, noisy disturbance, ‘row.’
1816. ‘Quiz,’ Grand Master (Adventures in Hindostan), XI. 48. The muse now blushes to disclose The bobbery that here arose.
1833. Marryat, P. Simple, xxvii. There’ll be a bobbery in the pig-sty before long.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Bobbery, a disturbance, row, or squabble; a term much used in the East Indies and China.
1879. Punch, 17 May, 227/2.
| I fancied I so strong had grown, | |
| That, not desiring raid or robbery, | |
| I might in quiet hold my own, | |
| And not go kicking up a bobbery. |
