Obs. exc. dial. Also FOIST v.2 [f. FUST sb.1 1, 2.] intr. To become moldy or stale-smelling; esp. a. Of corn: To become moldy; also fig. b. Of wine: To taste of the cask; also fig.
a. 1592. H. Smith, Serm. (1637), 440. As the Manna which the Jewes gathered over an Homer did them no good, but mould and fust.
1604. Shaks., Ham., IV. iv. 39 (Qo. 2). He that made vs … gaue vs not That capabilitie and god-like reason To fust in vs vnvsd.
1755. Johnson, Fust, to grow mouldy; to smell ill.
1799. G. Smith, Laboratory, I. 429. To prevent wine from fusting, otherwise tasting of the cask.
1869. Peacock, Lonsdale Gloss., Fust, to mould as corn does.
Hence Fusted ppl. a. = FUSTY 1.
1597–8. Bp. Hall, Sat., IV. v. 117. Of fusted hoppes now lost for lack of sale.
1621–51. Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. I. vi. 63. If the spirits of the brain be fusted … the children will be fusted in the brain; they will be dull … all their lives.
1799. G. Smith, Laboratory, I. 432. To restore a Wine fusted, or tasting of the Cask.
1897. G. Macdonald, Salted with Fire, 203. To me it was like the fuistit husks o’ the half-faimisht swine!
