or besognio, subs. (old).—A raw recruit (soldier). Hence a generic term of contempt: a needy beggar; a worthless fellow.
1591. GARRARD, Art of Warre, 170. A raw souldier and BISOGNIO.
1598. R. BARRET, The Theorike and Practike of Moderne Warres, II. i. 17. Many inconueniences and disorders which rawe BISOGNIOS will commit.
1603. R. JOHNSON, Relations of the Most Famous Kingdoms, etc., 55. A base BESONIO, fitter for the spade than the sword.
1611. FLETCHER, Four Plays or Moral Representations in One, 28. Draw my sword of Fate on a Pesant, a BESOGNIO!
1612. CHAPMAN, The Widow’s Tears [Plays (1873), iii. 17]. Spurn’d out by grooms like a base BISOGNIO?
1622. HAWKINS, Voy. S. Sea (1847), 78. The souldiers … who after the common custome of their profession (except when they be BESONIOS) sought to pleasure him.
1820. SCOTT, The Monastery, xvi. Base and pilfering BESOGNIOS and marauders.
