subs. phr. (colloquial).—Womankind: also (in singular) THE WEAKER VESSEL [See 1 Peter iii. 7].
1600. SHAKESPEARE, As You Like It, ii. 4. 6. I must comfort THE WEAKER VESSEL, as doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat.
1719. D’URFEY, Wit and Mirth; or Pills to Purge Melancholy, v. 259. She poor Soul THE WEAKER VESSEL.
