Obs. [f. LIMBER a. + HAM.
The quot. from Wycherley shows that Dryden did not, as is generally supposed, invent the name; whether Wycherley invented it, or whether it was already current as an appellative or a nickname, remains at present uncertain.]
a. In etymological sense: One who has ‘limber hams,’ a supple-jointed person; fig. an obsequious person, ‘lackey.’ b. A character like that represented in Dryden’s play, a ‘kind keeper.’
[1675. Wycherley, Country-wife, II. 27. There can be no more scandal to go with him, than with Mr. Tatle, or Master Limberham. Lad. With that nasty Fellow! no—no.
1678. Dryden, Limberham (1680), Pers. Dram., Limberham, a tame, foolish keeper, perswaded by what is last said to him, and changing next word.]
1689. Hickeringill, Ceremony-monger, i. Wks. 1716, II. 390. If I were a Papist … I profess I would bow and cringe as well as any Ecclesiastical Limber-ham of them all.
a. 1704. T. Brown, Praise Poverty, Wks. 1730, I. 99. He’s a true limberham, a prodigal cully to the jilt he keeps for the use of the public.
1755. Smollett, Quix. (1803), IV. 251. When the challenger was asked how the weight of both should be made equal, he insisted on the other’s carrying the difference in bars of iron, by which means, Limberham would be upon a footing with Loggerhead.
1756–66. Amory, Buncle, IV. xiii. § 3. 249. She lives … to ruin … the miserable man, who is dunce enough to become a Limberham to the execrable wretch.
