Obs. [Of obscure origin.]
1. A small or insignificant person. Usu. as a term of abuse.
1570. Marr. Wit & Sci., V. iii. This it is that makes me loke so leane, That lettes my groth, and makes me seeme a squall.
1589. E. A., Triumphs Love & Fortune, E. But, sirra, you must know this same squall is the Dukes sonne.
1591. Harrington, Orl. Fur., XLIII. iv. Some miser, base deformed squall That save his riches hath no worthy parts.
1607. Middleton, Michaelmas Term, III. i. Who would think now this fine sophisticated squall came out of the bosom of a barn, and the loins of a hay-tosser?
c. 1630. Edw. Ford, Ballad Norfolk Farmer’s Journ. London, xi. A woman that is mighty tall, And yet her spouse a little squall.
transf. 1614. Gorges, Lucan, IX. 405. As his owne breed those [young ones that can look at the sun] he [the Eagle] affects: But euery wincking squall reiects.
2. Applied to a girl: (see quots.).
1607. Middleton, Michaelmas Term, I. ii. Wouldst thou, a pretty, beautiful, juicy squall, live in a poor thrummed house i’ th’ country?
1611. Cotgr., Obeseau,… a young minx, or little proud squall.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., II. 112. The rich Gull Gallant calls her Deare and Loue, Ducke, Lambe, Squall, Sweetheart, Cony, and his Doue.
