subs. phr. (common).—A soft felt hat with a broad brim. ‘So-called (GROSE) because it never had a nap and never wants one.’

1

  1857.  C. KINGSLEY, Two Years Ago, Int. ‘Then the fairy knight is extinct in England?’ asked Stangrave, smiling. ‘No man less; only he … has found a WIDE-AWAKE cooler than an iron kettle.’

2

  1861.  H. KINGSLEY, Ravenshoe, xliii. She was one of the first who appeared in the Park in a low-crowned hat—a WIDE-AWAKE.

3

  1884.  W. C. RUSSELL, Jack’s Courtship, iii. ‘My democratic WIDE-AWAKE, and the republican cut of my jib,’ said he, looking down at his clothes.

4

  1890.  Daily Graphic, 7 Jan., 9. 4. Then the crowd go mad. Up fly head-gear, chimney-pot, and WIDE-A-WAKE alike, their owners careless of their fate.

5

  See WIDE.

6