subs. (old colloquial).—A generic reproach: a rogue, scoundrel, low fellow. Whence VARLETRY = the mob, rabble, crowd (B. E.). [Properly = a page, groom, or serving-man.]
1549. LATIMER, Sermons before Edward VI., iii. Was not this a seditious VARLET, to tell them this to their beards.
1608. SHAKESPEARE, Antony and Cleopatra, v. 2. 56. The shouting VARLETRY of censuring Rome.
c. 1620. FLETCHER, Women Pleas’d, ii. 4.
| Cla. There’s money for thee: thou art a precious VARLET, | |
| Be fat, be fat, and blow thy Master backward. |
1610. JONSON, The Alchemist, ii. 1.
| Ana. My name is Ananias. | |
| Sub. Out, the VARLET | |
| That cozen’d the apostles! Hence, away! |
1778. SHERIDAN, The Rivals, iv. 2. Well, I am glad you are not the dull, insensible VARLET you pretended to be.
1840. BROWNING, Sordello, vi. Gay swarms of VARLETRY that come and go.
