subs. (old: now pugilists’).—Strength; vigour; inspiration; BEANS (q.v.); DEVIL (q.v.): hence, as verb. = to be all over an adversary; TO POWDER ONE’S JACKET = to swinge ‘like hell.’
1664. COTTON, Scarronides, or Virgil Travestie (1st ed.), 19.
| The Windes grew louder still and louder, | |
| And play’d their GAMBALS with a Powder. |
1692. SIR R. L’ESTRANGE, Fables, iv. Whilst Two of their Champions were Disputing it at Swords Point, Down comes a Kite POWDERING upon them in the Interim, and Gobbles up both together.
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, xlix. He had done wonders before, but now he began to POWDER away like a raving mad giant.
1889. Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, 18 Jan. Peg into him, Snacks—put more POWDER in ’em.
POWDER AND SHOT, subs. phr. (colloquial).—Cost; effort; labour. NOT WORTH POWDER OR SHOT = not worth trouble or cost.
