[f. CHOP v.1: to be compared with strapping, thumping, bouncing, rapping, whopping.] Big and vigorous; strapping. (Originally used more generally, but later only as an epithet of a fine, healthy, strong child.)
1566. Drant, Horace Sat., IV. viij b. The murex fishe from Baiæ cums … From Circes choppynge oysters newe.
1581. N. Woodes, Conflict Consc., V. iii. in Hazl., Dodsley, VI. 115. Such chopping cheer as we have made, the like hath not been seen.
1598. Florio, Pinchellone, a chopping boy, a handsome striplin.
1613. Heywood, Silver Age, III. i. Alcmena is delivered, brought to bed Of a fine chopping boy.
1716. Cibber, Love makes Man, II. i. What chopping Children his Brother shall have.
1726. Amherst, Terræ Filius, I. 151. A chopping, strapping chambermaid.
1785. Burke, Sp. Nabob of Arcot’s Debts, Wks. (1808), IV. 319. Six great chopping bastards, each as lusty as an infant Hercules.
1823. Month. Rev., CII. 542. She was delivered of a chopping child.
a. 1845. Hood, Sausage Maker’s Ghost, iii. Besides a wife and two fine chopping boys.
