Obs. In sarcastic use, an imaginary fair or market for church livings.
The definition ‘a common fair or mart’ given in some Dicts. is based on a misunderstanding of quot. 1622.
1597. Bp. Hall, Sat., II. v. 8. Thou seruile Foole: why couldst thou not repaire To buy a Benefice at Steeple-Faire?
1602. 2nd Pt. Return fr. Parnass., IV. ii. 1764. Are not you the yong drouer of liuings … that haunts steeple faires.
1622. J. Taylor (Water P.), Water-Cormorant, E 2 b. These youths [i.e., the ‘penny clarks’ of a ‘symonicall patron’], in Art, purse, and attire most bare Giue their attendance, at each steeple faire.
1624. Bp. Mountagu, Immed. Addr., 44. To buy a Bishopricke, or Office, and dye soone after: or some other Preferment at Steeple-faire.
