a. and sb. a. adj. Of, belonging to, or in the style of Martin F. Tupper’s Proverbial Philosophy (1838–42). b. sb. An admirer of Tupper. So Tupperish a., Tupperism, Tupperize v.
1857. Wetumpka (AL) Spectator, 2 July, 2/3. The high, noble spirit of successful achievement breathed—or rather struck out—in the above Tupperism is just what we need in our community now to prompt us in a good cause.
1858. O. W. Holmes, Aut. Breakf.-t., xi. (1891), 271. Whether I dipped them from the ocean of Tupperian wisdom,… I cannot say.
1866. Reader, No. 168. 271/3. Tupperian pretentiousness and moralizations.
1866. Courier & Argus, 27 July, 2/1. People of a Tupperish turn of mind can prepare high falutin leaders about the blessings which will flow through the cable.
1869. Baring-Gould, Orig. Relig. Belief (1878), II. xx. 380. Truth must be Tupperish—allow me the word,—or public opinion will not tolerate it.
1870. Observer, 13 Nov., 2/4. Tupperising in deerskin breeches is not an intellectual frolic that we can contemplate with patience.
1905. Daily Chron., 20 June, 3/3. Our fathers found entertainment and even worldly wisdom in the Tupperisms of yesterday.
