subs. and adv. (old colloquial).—See quot. 1785.
1759–67. STERNE, Tristram Shandy, v., 21. The French have such a NATION of hedges.
1765. Moving Times [BARTLETT], 4. I believe, my friend, you’re very right: They’ll get a NATION profit by ’t.
1775. Yankee Doodle.
| And every time they shoot it off | |
| It takes a horn of powder; | |
| And makes a noise like father’s gun, | |
| Only a NATION louder. |
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. NATION, an abbreviation of damnation, a vulgar term used in Kent, Sussex, and the adjacent counties, for very; NATION good, a NATION long way, a very long way.
1805. J. REYNOLDS, The Blind Bargain, i., 1. There it be—there be the old fireside, and NATION glad I am to clap eyes on’t.
1824. R. B. PEAKE, Americans Abroad, i., 1. I have no doubt he will push his fortune, as he is a NATION deal of the gentleman. Ibid., ii., 2. It’s NATION lonesome to sit by one’s self.
1835. HALIBURTON (‘Sam Slick’), The Clockmaker, 1st S., xix. There was a NATION sight of folks there.
1848. W. E. BURTON, Waggeries and Vagaries, p. 20. As much as you say, ‘What the NATION are you at?’
1854. W. H. AINSWORTH, The Flitch of Bacon, pt. i., v. We’re ’NATION fond of old brandy.
1868. C. READE and BOUCICAULT, Foul Play, ix. Don’t be in such a NATION hurry: for, if you do, it will be bad for me, but worse for you.
