subs. (old).—A dreamer; a man of sentiment and fancy as opposed to action; a futile person.

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  1596.  SHAKESPEARE, Hamlet, ii. 2.

        While I
A dull, and noddy-mettled rascal, peak
Like JOHN-A-DREAMS, impregnant of my Cause
And can say nothing.

2

  1876.  W. E. HENLEY, A Book of Verses, p. 91.

        Kate-a-Whimsies, JOHN-A-DREAMS,
  Still debating, still delay,
And the world’s a ghost that gleams—
  Wavers—vanishes away!

3

  1878.  JULIAN STURGIS, JOHN-A-DREAMS [Title].

4

  1894.  C. HADDON CHAMBERS, JOHN-A-DREAMS [Title].

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