Allusive use of the name of one of the characters in Rowe’s Fair Penitent: often qualified by gay. (With capital L.)
The name had previously been used for a somewhat similar character by Davenant in his Cruel Brother, 1630.
A libertine, gay deceiver, rake.
[1703. Rowe, Fair Penit., V. i. H 3. Is this that Haughty, Gallant, Gay Lothario?]
1756. World, No. 202, ¶ 8. The gay Lothario dresses for the fight.
1812. Moore, Intercepted Lett., viii. 31. Both gay Lotharios.
1849. Lytton, Caxtons, XVIII. vi. III. 278. No woman could have been more flattered and courted by Lotharios and lady-killers than Lady Castleton has been.
1887. W. S. Gilbert, Ruddigore, I. A devil of a fellow—a regular Lothario.
