subs. (old).—1. A parson. For synonyms, see DEVIL-DODGER.
1663. KILLIGREW, The Parson’s Wedding, ii., 4 [DODSLEY, Old Plays (HAZLITT), 4th ed., 1875, xiv., p. 420]. Faith. You uncivil fellow, you come hither to tell my lady of her faults, as if her own LEVITE could not discern ’em?
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v.
1725. A New Canting Dictionary, s.v.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
1849. MACAULAY, The History of England, ch. iii. A young LEVITE—such was the phrase then in use—might be had for his board, a small garret, and ten pounds a year.
2. (old).—A fashionable dress for women (c. 1780). [HORACE WALPOLE: ‘a man’s bed-gown bound round with a belt.’]
