or -good, -body, subs. phr. (old).—A meddler. Hence BUSY-BODINESS = a meddling disposition.
1603. DAVIES, Microcosmus, in Works [GROSART], i. 57.
| Manie a BUSIE-HEAD by Words and Deeds | |
| Put in their Heads how they may compasse Crownes. |
1648. FULLER, The Church History of Britain, II., IX., 23. … If I chance to make an excursion into the matters of Commonwealth, it is not out of curiosity or BUSY-BODINESSE to be medling in other men’s lines.
1659. HOWELL, Familiar Letters. Or such a BUSIE BODY as deserves to be hitt in the teeth.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. BUSY-BODIES, Pryers into other Folks Concerns, such as thrust their Sickle in another’s Harvest; and will have an Oar in every Boat.
