subs. (old).—1. See quot. 1763, the origin of the phrase.
1763. FOOTE, The Mayor of Garrett. Dramatis Personæ. JERRY SNEAK, a henpecked husband.
1772. G. A. STEVENS, Songs, Comic and Satyrical, ‘A Caricature.’
| He is always at home Sir John Brute to his wife, | |
| Abroad, JERRY SNEAK to his drab. |
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
1821. COMBE, Dr. Syntax, Wife, C. I.
| I know, my friend, that you inherit A portion large of manly spirit. | |
| That you would ne’er be brought to speak | |
| In humble tone of JERRY SNEAK. |
1845. SURTEES, Hillingdon Hall, ch. ii., p. 6 (1888). A poor, little, henpecked, JERRY SNEAK of a husband.
1830. POOLE, Turning the Tables, sc. iii. A poor JERRY SNEAK, as they took me to be.
2. (thieves’).—A watch thief. Cf. JERRY.
