Obs. rare. Also stert. [Perh. a. Du. staart, tail, in allusion to the old accusation that English men had tails. But cf. WFlemish drilsteert, plaagstaert, a bore, vraagsteert a prying person.] A supposed Dutch term of contempt for an Englishman.
1673. Dryden, Amboyna, I. i. 3. Hang ’em base English sterts. Ibid., V. i. (end) Then in full Romers, and with joyful Hearts We’l drink confusion to all English Starts.
