A condition of annoyance and difficulty. The N.E.D. cites Richardson (1741), and M. Edgeworth (1801).
1825. Miriam [was] in a “plaguy pucker.”—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ i. 202.
1826. My wife will be in a fine pucker when she finds this sum is exhausted.—Mass. Spy, Nov. 1: from the Richmond Family Visitor.
1837. A terrier dog in a pucker is a good study for anger, and always let the spectators see that sorrow hurts you.—J. C. Neal, ‘Charcoal Sketches,’ p. 124.
1837. And so, friend, I was in what thee may call a pucker, not knowing what to do.—R. M. Bird, ‘Nick of the Woods,’ ii. 208.
1839. You must make all allowance for my being in such a pucker.—‘Major Jack on a Whaler’: Havana (N.Y.) Republican, Aug. 21.
1847. If I am delayed, Gales and Seaton will be very angry, and Blair and Rives will get in a pucker.—Robb, ‘Streaks of Squatter Life,’ &c., p. 15 (Phila.).
