adv. (old).—On the alert; vigilant; fully appreciative: see FLY.
1823. GROSE, Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue [EGAN], s.v. AWAKE … A thief will say to his accomplice, on perceiving the person they are about to rob is aware of their intention, and upon his guard, stow it, the cove’s AWAKE. To be awake to any scheme, deception or design, means, generally, to see through or comprehend it.
1813. AUSTEN, Pride and Prejudice, xi. As much AWAKE to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself.
1821. W. T. MONCRIEFF, Tom and Jerry (DICKS), 6. Jerry. Yes, he’s up, he’s AWAKE, he’s fly—Ha! ha!
1838. DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby, xxxix. ‘If you hear the waiter coming, sir, shove it in your pocket and look out of the window, d ’ye hear?’ ‘I ’m AWAKE, father,’ replied the dutiful Wackford.
1879. FROUDE, Cæsar, x. He was AWAKE to the dangers.
