subs. (colloquial).—1. A laughing- (or gazing-) stock. LITTLE OBJECT (of children) = a half-playful half-angry endearment. Also (2) a sweetheart (i.e., the OBJECT of one’s affections).
1824. LOCKHART, Reginald Dalton, III. 119. ‘What!’ roars Macdonald—‘yon poor shaughlin’ in-kneed scray of a thing! Would ony Christian body even you bit OBJECT to a bonny sonsy weel-faured young woman like miss Catline?’
