interj. Now arch. Also 6 catha, quod a, quodha. [For quoth he (see A. pron.).] The phrase ‘said he?’, used with contemptuous or sarcastic force in repeating a word or phrase used by another; hence = indeed! forsooth!
1519. Interl. Four Elem. (Percy Soc.), 24. Thre course dysshes, quod a.
1528. Rede me, etc. (Arb.), 86. Wat. Hath Christ amonge theym no place? Jef. Christ catha?
c. 1550. Lusty Juventus, C ii b. Lawfull, quodha, a, foole, foole.
1600. Heywood, 1st Pt. Edw. IV., Wks. 1874, I. 33. Forbid, quotha? I, in good sadness.
1680. Dryden, Span. Friar, III. ii. A novice quotha! you would make a novice of me too, if you could.
1773. Goldsm., Stoops to Conq., I. i. Learning, quotha! a mere composition of tricks and mischief.
1835. Willis, Pencillings, II. xliii. 38. The ‘fickle moon,’ quotha! I wish my friends were half as constant.
1884. Browning, Ferishtah’s Fancies, Mihrab Shah, 99. Attributes, quotha? Here’s poor flesh and bood.
