subs. (old).—The mark in the game of bowls; the JACK (q.v., sense 2).

1

  1580.  SIDNEY, Arcadia, p. 281. Zelmane using her own byas, to bowl near the MISTRESSE of her own thoughts.

2

  1600.  The Weakest goeth to the Wall, 4to. G. 3. I hope to lie as neare the MISTRESSE as any of ye all.

3

  1602.  SHAKESPEARE, Troilus and Cressida, iii. 2. So, so, rub on, and kiss the MISTRESS.

4

  1632.  ROWLEY, A Woman Never Vexed, ii. 1. Every one strives to lie nearest the MISTRESS. Ibid. iv. i. This city bowler has kissed the MISTRESS at first cast.

5

  1653.  R. BROME, The Queen and Concubine, ii. 3. Rather than to have my head bowl’d at her, though I were sure it should kiss the MISTRESSE.

6

  1655.  FANSHAWE, Lusiad, ix. 71.

                            Like one
That rubs the MISTRESS when his bowl is gone.

7

  1657.  MIDDLETON, No Wit, No Help like a Woman’s, ii. 3. There’s three rubs gone, I’ve a clear way to the MISTRESS.

8