subs. (B. E. and GROSE).—1. A person suddenly raised from poverty to wealth, from a humble position to consequence, or from servitude to power: now recognised.
1592. GREENE, A Quip for an Upstart Courtier [Harleian Miscellany, V. 402]. In faith, goodman goosecap, you that are come from the start-vps, and therefore is called an VP-START, quasi START UP from clouted shoone.
