subs. (Sandhurst).—A first year’s cadet. For synonyms, see SNOOKER.
2. (old).—A priest. Also SIR JOHN and MESS- (or MASS-) JOHN (q.v.). For synonyms, see DEVIL-DODGER.
1383. CHAUCER, The Canterbury Tales (SKEAT), iv. 270. 4000. ‘The Prologue of the Nonne Preestes Tale.’ Com neer, thou preest, com hider, thou SIR IOHN.
c. 1554. The Interlude of Youth [DODSLEY, Old Plays, 1874, ii. 25].
| Riot. What! SIR JOHN, what say ye! | |
| Would you be fettered now? |
1599. HENRY PORTER, The Two Angry Women of Abingdon [DODSLEY, Old Plays, 1874, vii. 320]. Leave these considerations to SIR JOHN; they become a black-coat better than a blue.
1611. L. BARRY, Ram Alley, iv. 1. Lady Sommerfield. Speak, answer me, SIR JACK: stole you my daughter?
1772. G. A. STEVENS, Songs, Comic and Satyrical (1788), ‘The Sweethearts.’
| The next a MESS JOHN, of rank Methodist taint, | |
| Who thought like a sinner, but look’d like a saint. |
3. See POOR JOHN.
