subs. (formerly Australian: now general).—A turn in paying for a round of drinks. Hence as verb. = to stand treat; SHOUTING = a general invitation to drink; TO SHOUT ONESELF HOARSE = to get drunk. See CHARTER THE BAR.
1859. H. KINGSLEY, Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn, xxxi. I SHOUTED for him, and he for me, and at last I says, ‘Butty,’ says I, ‘who are those chaps round here on the lay?’
1873. M. E. BRADDON, To the Bitter End, xxxix. When the lucky digger was wont to ‘SHOUT’—that is to say, pay the shot—for the refreshment of his comrades.
1881. A. C. GRANT, Bush-Life in Queensland, I. 243. He must drink a nobbler with ‘Tom,’ and be ready to ‘SHOUT’ for all hands at least once a-day.
1889. Star, 3 Jan. Good-natured, hearty Welsh diggers thronged in, and were willing to ‘SHOUT’ for us as long as we would drink.
1900. HUME NISBET, In Sheep’s Clothing, 196. They SHOUTED drinks for all who were present.
