subs. (old).—A delicate person: esp. a young girl. Also = (ironically) a spoilt favourite.

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  1578.  King Leir [NARES]. To see that proud pert PEAT, our youngest sister.

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  1593.  SHAKESPEARE, Taming of the Shrew, i. 1.

          Kath.  A pretty PEAT! ’tis best
Put finger in the eye.

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  1605.  JONSON, CHAPMAN, &c., Eastward Hoe, v. 1 [Old Plays (REED), iv. 279]. God’s my life, you are a PEAT indeed!

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  1632.  MASSINGER, The Maid of Honour, ii. 2. You are a pretty PEAT, indifferent fair too.

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