subs. phr. (old).—A term of contempt: spec. a lean meagre fellow (GROSE). Hence, SHOTTEN-SOULED = despicable.

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  1598.  SHAKESPEARE, 1 Henry IV., ii. 4. 142. If manhood, good manhood, be not forgot upon the face of the earth, then am I A SHOTTEN HERRING.

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  1614.  FLETCHER, Wit without Money, iii. 4.

          Val.  Upbraid me with your benefits, you pilchers,
You SHOTTEN-SOUL’D, slight fellows!

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  1639.  Optick Glosse of Humours, 27. His conceit is as lanck as a SHOTTEN HERRING.

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  1640.  NABBES, Bride, sig. G ii. Thou art a SHOTTEN HERRING. Jackalent Spanyard.

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