subs. (common).—1. A dissipated character; a BAD-EGG (q.v.).
1827. P. EGAN, Anecdotes of the Turf, 72. A game known among the LOOSE-FISH who frequent races by the name of thimble-rig.
1849. THACKERAY, Pendennis, lxii. ‘Our friend Clavering … who, between you and me…, we must own is about as LOOSE A FISH as any in my acquaintance.’
1856. C. READE, It Is Never Too Late to Mend, xliv. In short Mr. Mills was a LOOSE FISH; a bachelor who had recently inherited the fortune of an old screw his uncle, and was spending thrift in all the traditional modes.
2. (parliamentary).—See quot.
1864. The Saturday Review, July, ‘Stray Votes.’ The game he has in view is that peculiar variety of Parliamentary species known as an outsider or a LOOSE FISH, but described by itself under the more flattering title of ‘an independent member.’
