subs. phr. (old).—A cleric’s illegitimate daughter, or concubine: whence ‘No more character than a PRIEST’S NIECE.’
1663. KILLIGREW, The Parson’s Wedding, i., 3 [DODSLEY, Old Plays (HAZLITT), 4th ed., 1875, xiv., p. 399]. ’Tis such a sight to see great French beds full of found children, sons of bachelors, PRIESTS’ HEIRS, Bridewell orphans.
1848. RUXTON, Life in the Far West, 145. They were probably his NIECES.
