subs. phr. (old).—1. A parasitic glutton; as adj. = sharking for victuals. Also (2) = a POINT (q.v.) -feast.
1597. JOSEPH HALL, Virgidemiarum, VI. i. 47.
| Nor now no more SMELL-FEAST Vitellio | |
| Smiles on his master for a meale or two. |
1609. HOLLAND, Ammianus Marcellinus, 32. Mercurius, called commonly Captaine of SMELL-FEASTS, for that like unto a dogge … wagging his taile, he used to thrust himselfe often into feasts and companies. Ibid., 339. Pleasant jests of these SMEL-FEAST-parasites in comedies.
1621. BURTON, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II. III. viii. No SMELL-FEASTS … parasites, bawds, drunkards, whoremasters.
1633. HARINGTON, Epigrams. What manner sprite these SMEL-FEASTS had possest.
1648. HERRICK, Hesperides, ‘Vpon Burr.’
| Burr is a SMELL-FEAST and a man alone | |
| That, where meat is, will be a hanger-on. |
1653. URQUHART, Rabelais, I. liv. Fat chuffcats, SMELL-FEAST knockers, doltish gulls.
1694. SIR R. L’ESTRANGE, Æsop, 34. An Intruder, and a Common SMELL-FEAST that Spunges upon Other peoples Trenchers.
