or Boot-haler, subs. phr. (old).—A robber; freebooter. Hence BOOT-HALING = a plundering expedition, a knavish adventure.
1592. NASHE, Pierce Penilesse, His Supplication to the Divell. How, when all supply of victualls fayled them, they went a BOOT-HALING one night to sinior Greedinesse bed-chambers.
1611. MIDDLETON, The Roaring Girle [DODSLEY, Old Plays (REED), vi, 103]. My own father laid these London BOOT-HALERS the catch-poles in ambush to set upon me.
1620. FLETCHER, The Chances, i, 4.
| Well don John, | |
| If you do spring a leak, or get an itch, | |
| ’Till ye claw off your curl’d pate, thank your nightwalks, | |
| You must be still a BOOT-HALING. |
