Also ’vert. [Shortened f. CONVERT sb., PERVERT sb.] A pervert or convert from one religion to another, esp. to the Roman Catholic faith.
1864. Union Rev., May, 277. Old friends call me a pervert: new acquaintances a convert; the other day I was addressed as a ’vert…. This term ‘’vert’ I have every reason to believe has been only just coined.
1886. Pall Mall G., 25 May, 4/2. Cardinal Manning stands alone…, and as he is an Anglican ’vert he does not count.
transf. 1886. North Star, 5 May. Your ’vert [to Home Rule] is ever vigorous.
