adj. phr. Now Sc. [See WELL a. 3.] a. In predicate: Well off, well to do. Also well to pass in the world.
1610. T. Scott, Philomythie (1616), A 7. His Mothers Husband … being rich and well to passe.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., V. xv. (1650), 152. Their Masters are both of them very wel to pass, and of good repute.
1702. W. J., trans. Bruyn’s Voy. Levant, ix. 29. Those who are well enough to pass in the World.
1784. R. Bage, Barham Downs, II. 100. I … am mistress of this inn, and thank God well to pass.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xxxvii. Our poor friend has died well to pass in the world.
1901. G. Douglas, House w. Green Shutters, 11. They were an able lot, and … most of them were well enough to pass. Ibid., 266. Johnny Coe, idle and well-to-pass.
b. attrib. (with hyphens).
1908. Ld. E. Hamilton, Mawkin of Flow, xvii. 223. With a neatness that any well-to-pass housewife might have envied, were ranged sack upon sack of oatmeal, barley and peas.
c. absol. (as pl.).
1902. Barrie, Little White Bird, xii. 124. They were children of the well-to-pass.
d. Well provided, well off for (something).
1809. E. S. Barrett, Setting Sun, I. 65. Charles XII. of Sweden (although himself a king, and not very well to pass for sense even among them).
Hence † Well-to-passer nonce-wd., a person of good estate.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 504. Horace met with such Selfe-applauding well-to-passers, triumphing over anothers inferiority in Estate.
