subs. (old).—The pox or CLAP (q.v.). For synonyms, see LADIES’ FEVER.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. FLAPDRAGON, a clap or pox.
Verb. (old).—To gulp down hastily, as in the game of flapdragon.
1604. SHAKESPEARE, Winter’s Tale, Act III., Sc. 3. But, to make an end of the ship: to see how the sea FLAP-DRAGONED it!
