abbreviation of TAM-O’-SHANTER.
1895. Daily News, 8 April, 6/7. The ‘Tams’ as the Tam O’Shanters are now universally called by shopkeepers, are favourites for windy weather.
1896. Godey’s Mag., Feb., 224/2 The headgear is a coquettish white Tam with a white quill.
1899. Annie E. Holdsworth, Valley Gt. Shadow, x. I’ll put on your tam—there!
1918. Independent, XCV. 20 July, 102, photo caption. One of the ‘Ladies from Hell’ is trying to keep his Tam on and connect with a fast one from the pitcher at the same time.
