[CROSS- 9.] A reading across the page instead of down the column (of a newspaper, etc.), producing a ludicrous connection of subjects. Also fig.
1768–84. New Foundling Hospital for Wit, II. contents, ‘Cross Readings from the Newspapers’ [Article at p. 235, signed ‘Papyrius Cursor,’ by Caleb Whitefoord].
1784. Boswell, Johnson (1887), IV. 322. His [Whitefoord’s] ingenious and diverting cross-readings of the newspapers.
1822. Hazlitt, Table-t. (1852), 247. A large allowance is frequently to be made for cross-readings in the speaker’s mind.
1830. Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. IV. 12. Stephen spoke of his home, the city; Peggy of hers, the west-end;—and a few mistakes and cross-readings ensued.
