subs. phr. (pugilists’).—1. A bout at fisticuffs, with, or without, the gloves. Whence (2) = determined opposition (GROSE). Also as verb.
1819. T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, ‘Account of the Grand SET-TO between Long, Sandy and Georgy the Porpus’ [Title].
1824. SCOTT, St. Ronan’s Well, xxx. The alacrity of gentlemen of the Fancy hastening to a SET-TO.
1837. R. H. BARHAM, The Ingoldsby Legends, ‘The Bagman’s Dog,’ I. 317.
| As ‘prime a SET-TO,’ | |
| And ‘regular turn-up,’ as ever you knew. |
1859. WHITTY, Political Portraits, 217. The bludgeon blows of the old Parliamentary SET-TOS ended in hand-shaking.
1864. London Society, Dec. I generally warms up in the SET-TO with Judy, and by the time the ghost business comes on, I’m all of a glow.
1879. PAYN, High Spirits (Finding His Level). He had had it laid down with turf instead of a carpet, for the greater convenience of his SET-TOS.
1889. Modern Society, 19 Oct., 1294, 1. They settled the affair with a good SET-TO with raw potatoes.
1892. National Observer, 27 Feb., 378. Give me a snug little SET-TO down in Whitechapel.
