a. Obs. A variant of Cathaian, a man of Cathay or China; ‘used also to signify a sharper, from the dexterous thieving of those people’ (Nares); ? a thief, scoundrel, blackguard.
1577. Eden & Willes, Hist. Trav., 237. The Cathaian kyng is woont to graunt free accesse vnto all forreiners that trade into his countrey for marchandyse.
1598. Shaks., Merry W., II. i. 148. I will not beleeue such a Cataian, though the Priest o’ th’ Towne commended him for a true man. Ibid. (1601), Twel. N., II. iii. 80. My Lady’s a Catayan.
1630. Dekker, 2nd Pt. Honest Wh., Wks. 1873, II. 143. Ile make a wild Cataine of forty such: hang him, he’s an Asse.
1649. Davenant, Love & Honour (1673), 232 (N.). Hang him, bold Cataian! he indites finely.
