subs. phr. (? nonce phrase).—See quot.

1

  1856.  C. READE, It Is Never Too Late to Mend, ch. lxxxv. He complains that ‘he can’t peck,’ yet continues the cause of his infirmity, living almost entirely upon COCK-A-DOODLE BROTH,—eggs beat up in brandy and a little water.

2