Obs. A phrase applied in Shakespeare (so in quartos and folios) to Falstaff, as a very fat man.
By Hanmer taken as = tallow ketch ‘tub of tallow’: see ketch ‘tub or barrel,’ a Gloucestershire and West-of-England word, in Eng. Dial. Dict. By Johnson explained as tallow keech ‘lump or mass of tallow’ (see KEECH sb.), an explanation adopted by Steevens. See notes in critical editions.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., II. iv. 252. Prince. Thou Knotty-pated Foole, thou Horson obscene greasie Tallow Catch.
