subs. (common).—1. A spree; a drunken frolic; a big feed; a BLOW OUT (q.v.): also ON THE BURST: see BUST.
1880. Blackwood’s Magazine, June, 775. He became a madman when drunk. Once ‘ON THE BURST,’… money, horses, cows, furniture, even his wife’s wearing apparel, went to feed the insatiable and cruel demon who possessed him.
1881. PRAED, Policy and Passion, I., 228. When his men go ON THE BURST, what can he do but make his daughters help?
2. (sporting).—A sudden and vigorous access, or display of energy; a lively pace or spurt.
3. (colloquial).—To laugh immoderately.
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 41. I thought old Chalkstone would have BURST, for as he laughed with all his might, so violent a cough laid hold of him, as went very near to have carried him off.
