subs. (old).—A brass coin current in Ireland, temp. Elizabeth, value one penny. [From the Irish Harp figured upon it.]
1621. JONSON, Gipsies Metamorphosed. A two-pence I had to spend over and above; besides the HARPER that was gathered amongst us to pay the piper.
HAVE AMONG YOU MY BLIND HARPERS, phr. (old).—See quot.
1725. A New Canting Dictionary, s.v. HARPERS.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. HAVE AMONG YOU, MY BLIND HARPERS; an expression used in throwing or shooting at random among a crowd.
