subs. (common).—A good fellow; a decent or presentable person. [A human being as distinguished from the brute creation, in which sense it is used by Shakespeare; the modern slang usage was apparently introduced by Dickens.]—See quots. in various senses.
1595. SHAKESPEARE, Two Gentlemen of Verona, iii. 1. 272. Thee hath more qualities than a Water-Spaniell, which is much in a bare CHRISTIAN.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum. CHRISTIAN. A tradesman who has faith, i.e., will give credit.
1843. DICKENS, Martin Chuzzlewit, xxxiv. You must take your passage like a CHRISTIAN; at least, as like a CHRISTIAN as a fore-cabin passenger can.
1859. Times, 20 April. Grey parrot for sale, the property of a lady. She talks like a CHRISTIAN, and is in first-rate condition. Price, including cage. £15. Apply, etc., etc.
Adj. (common).—Decent; respectable, etc.—[See subs.]
