interj. Now dial. or colloq. Also 8 -dazy, 8–9 -daisey. [f. UP adv.1: cf. UPSIDAISY and dial. upaday. For the ending, cf. lackadaisy and (a)lack-a-day.] An exclamation made to a child on encouraging or assisting it to rise from a fall, etc., or to surmount an obstacle, or when raising it in the arms or jerking it into the air.
1711. Swift, Jrnl. to Stella, 5 Feb. Come stand away, let me rise…. Is there a good fire?—So—up a-dazy.
1756. Toldervy, Hist. 2 Orphans, II. 24. ‘Up-a-daisey,’ said Miss Bella, and then … gave him a push behind.
1854. Miss Baker, Northampt. Gloss., 370. Up-a-daisy, a fondling expression of a nurse to a child whilst lifting it from the ground, encouraging it to assist itself in rising.
1899. G. Ford, ’Postle Farm, ix. 43. ‘Up-a-daisy!’ said Annie, as the fat little legs struggled to mount the steps.
