subs. (old).—A spy; informer; man-hunter; policeman; also a general term of contempt.
1559. A Myrroure for Magistrates, Jack Cade, xix., 2. That restles BEGLE sought and found me out.
1607. DEKKER, Westward Ho! iii., 4. Mon. I beseech you, Mistress Tenterhook,—before God, I’ll be sick, if you will not be merry. Mist. Ten. You are a sweet BEAGLE.
1748. T. DYCHE, A New General English Dictionary (5 ed.). BEAGLE (s.) … also a contemptuous name given to a boy or man, as to say, you are a special BEAGLE, is the same as, you are good for nothing.
1837. CARLYLE, The French Revolution, III., VII., v., 377. Attorneys and Law-BEAGLES, which hunt ravenous on this Earth.
