subs. phr. (colloquial).—1. A snub; an unexpected or overwhelming reply. Also as verb. = to take to task; to rebuff; to get the better of.
1749. SMOLLETT, Gil Blas [T. L. KINGTON-OLIPHANT, The New English, ii. 166. Among new substantives are a SET-DOWN, blinkers, …].
2. (American tramps’).—See quot.
1900. FLYNT, Tramping with Tramps, 105. He will almost always give a beggar a ‘SET-DOWN’ (square meal).
