subs. (common).—1. The last drink; a DODGER (q.v.).
1840. HALIBURTON (‘Sam Slick’), The Clockmaker, 3rd S., xi. Suppose we have brandy cocktail, it’s as ’bout as good a NIGHT-CAP as I know on.
1843. W. T. MONCRIEFF, The Scamps of London, i., 2. You’ve had your NIGHT-CAP, a little daffy.
1843. SURTEES, Handley Cross, xxiv. Mr. Jorrocks celebrated the event with … a NIGHT-CAP of the usual beverage.
1883. GREENWOOD, Seaside Insanity, in Odd People in Odd Places, p. 51. Who would begrudge them their pilfered repast, or the stiff glass of gin or brandy and water on which their parents and the maid-of-all-work regale after supper, and by way of a ‘NIGHTCAP.’
2. (old).—The cap pulled over the face before execution. See HORSE’S NIGHT-CAP.
1681. Dialogue on Oxford Parliament [Harl. MSS., II., 125]. He better deserves to go up Holbowrn in a wooden chariot and have a horse NIGHT-CAP put on at the further end.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, iii., 153. I always come on to that scene with a white NIGHT-CAP and a halter on my arm.
1884. W. E. HENLEY and R. L. STEVENSON, Deacon Brodie, iv., 9. [Three Plays, 62]. The gallows…. How’s a man to die with a NIGHT-CAP on?
3. (old).—See NIGHT-BIRD.
4. (common).—A wife: see DUTCH.
