subs. (old).—A boy: spec. of tender years: an endearment.

1

  1540.  PALSGRAVE, trans. The Comedye of Acolastus. Hoo my swete mannyken, or pretye BOYKYN, what nowe?

2

  1600.  Sir John Oldcastle, 38. s.v.

3

  1675.  COTTON, Scarronides, 80.

        But now I’m fixt to go along
With thee, my BOYKIN, right or wrong.

4