slang. Obs. Also catzo. [a. It. cazzo, membrum virile, also word of exclamation: Florio says ‘also as Cazzica, interjection, ‘what! gods me! god forbid! tush!’] Frequent in 17th c. in the Italian senses; also = Rogue, scamp. Cf. the later GADSO.
1600. B. Jonson, Ev. Man out Hum., II. i. Nimble-sprighted Catso’s that ha’ their euasions at pleasure.
1606. Wily Beguiled, in Hazl., Dodsley, IX. 285. Cunningly temporise with this cunning Catso.
1650. Weldon, Crt. Jas. I., 99. Catzo.
1653. Urquhart, Rabelais, I. 39. Catso.
1671. Haymarket Hectors, in Roxb. Ballads (1883), IV. 521. Catzo.
1708. Motteux, Rabelais, V. viii. Cat-so! let us … drink.
