subs. (old: now recognised).—A trifle; anything fanciful or unsubstantial; something fantastical or with no particular name. [SKEAT: a curious corruption of Fr. quelque-chose (pronounced kick-chose), literally, something; hence a trifle or small delicacy.]
1598. SHAKESPEARE, 2 Henry IV., v. 1. 29. A joint of mutton, and any pretty little tiny KICKSHAWS, tell William, cook.
1601. SHAKESPEARE, Twelfth Night, i. 3. Sir And. … I delight in masques and revels sometimes altogether. Sir To. Art thou good at these KICKSHAWES, knight?
1611. COTGRAVE, Dictionarie, s.v. Fricandeaux, short, skinlesse, and dainty puddings, or QUELKCHOSES, made of good flesh and herbs chopped together, etc.
c. 1625. FLETCHER, The Elder Brother, iii. 2. New KICKSHAWS and delicate made things.
1630. TAYLOR (‘The Water Poet’), Workes, ‘The Great Eater of Kent.’ It is welcome, whether it bee Sawsedge, … Mackeroone, KICKSHAW, or Tantablin.
1646. D. FEATLEY, The Dippers Dipt, p. 199. I made bold to set on the board KICK-CHOSES, and variety of strange fruits.
1753. The Adventurer, No. 25. She has no taste for nicknacks, and KICKSHAWS, and whim-whams.
1822. SCOTT, The Fortunes of Nigel, xxi. I have given up … roast beef and pudding for woodcocks and KICKSHAWS.
1830. MARRYAT, The King’s Own, xxxiv. I seldom touch anything but the joint. I hate your KICKSHAWS.
1881. BESANT and RICE, Sweet Nelly, in Ten Years’ Tenant, etc., vol. i. p. 188. Falbalas for your frocks, quilted petticoats, gold KICKSHAWS, china, pet negro boys.
