Obs. Forms: 6 John at Stile, of the Stile, 6–7 -a-stile, 7 -a-Stiles, -a-Styles, 7–8 a Stiles. [orig. John atte Stile, i.e., John (who dwells) at the stile.] (See JOHN-A-NOKES.)
1531. Dial. on Laws England, I. vi. 12. If a man be outlawed, and after by his wyll byqueth certayne goodes to Iohn at Style.
1581, 1642. [see JOHN-A-NOKES].
1687. R. L’Estrange, Answ. Diss., 34. Here is an Imperial Prerogative over-ruled by a Pamphlet; A Cause given against the King by John-a-Styles.
1714. Fortescue-Aland, Pref. Fortescue’s Abs. & Lim. Mon., 51. Taking Goods in Withernam … is no more than to take other Goods of John a Stiles in lieu of Goods which he took under colour of distress.
