subs. (old).—1. A woman: e.g., a prime article = (GROSE) a handsome girl, ‘a hell of a goer’ (Lexicon Balatronicum).
1857. A. TROLLOPE, The Three Clerks, xxxi. ‘She’d never have done for you, you know; and she’s the very ARTICLE for such a man as Peppermint.’
2. (common).—A mildly contemptuous or sarcastic address: usually with such adjectives as ‘pretty,’ ‘nice,’ etc. Thus, ‘You’re a pretty ARTICLE’ = ‘You’re a BEAUTY’ (q.v.); ‘What sort of an ARTICLE do you think you are?’ = ‘What’s your name when out for a walk?’ Also (HALLIWELL) ‘of a wretched animal.’
1843. DICKENS, Martin Chuzzlewit, xxvi. You’re a nice ARTICLE, to turn sulky on first coming home!
3. (old).—In pl.—a suit of clothes (GROSE).
