or puppet, subs. phr. (old).1. A gaudily dressed doll, such as appears to have been commonly sold at Bartholomew Fair. 2. A person gaudily dressed.
1670. T. BROOKS, Works (1867), VI. 51. How many professing men in that great city were dressed up like fantastical antics, and women like BARTHOLOMEW-BABIES, to the dishonour of God.
1682. Wit and Drollery, 343.
Her petticoat of sattin, | |
Her gown of crimson tabby, | |
Lacd up before, and spangld ore, | |
Just like a BARTHOLOMEW BABY. |