Obs. [L. tot quot as much or as many as (there may be).]
1. Eccl. A dispensation or licence to hold as many ecclesiastical benefices as the holder pleases or can get; hence, the holding of such benefices, unlimited pluralism; pl. benefices so held.
1509. Barclay, Shyp of Folys (1570), 60. He hath hope To haue another benefyce of greater dignitie, And so maketh a false suggestion to the pope, For a tot quot or els a pluralitie.
1522. Skelton, Why not to Court? 125. We shall haue a tot quot From the Pope of Rome.
a. 1550. Image Ipocr., I., in Skelton’s Wks. (1843), II. 420/2. Ye drawe and cast lottes, In hattes and in pottes, For tottes and for quottes.
1583. Stubbes, Anat. Abus., II. (1882), 79. They purchase a dispensation, a licence,… by vertue whereof they may hold totquots so manie, how manie soeuer.
1637. Bastwick, Litany, II. 9. The Pope selleth nonresidences, pluralityes, trialityes, totquots, the Prelats doe the same.
b. transf. One who holds tot-quots; an unlimited pluralist.
1628. P. Smart, Serm. Durh. Cath., 7 July, 21. The same will be also a notorious Non-resident, a very Tot-quot.
1677. W. Hughes, Man of Sin, I. iv. 82. S. Wereburga,… being Governess of three Nunneries (being no more, she was no Tot-quot then).
2. An indefinite or infinite number; as many as you like.
1565. Jewel, Repl. Harding, xiii. (1611), 360. He pleadeth his toties, quoties, and thereby would erect a whole totquot of Masses, sans number…. By these words, M. Hardings Tot-quot is much abridged.
3. A rate or tax assessed in proportion to income.
1611. Cotgr., Quottite, an euen assessement, a rate or totquot imposed; the laying on euerie one his share.
