or old stager, subs. phr. (colloquial).—1. A person of experience: cf. STAGER = a player; whence (2) anything long in use or evidence.
1563. FOXE, Acts and Monuments [CATTLEY]. [T. L. KINGTON-OLIPHANT, The New English, i. 549. Amongst Romance words are … mummery, OLD STAGER …].
1748. CHESTERFIELD, Letters, 20 Dec. Here let me, as an OLD STAGER on the theatre of the world, suggest one consideration to you.
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 69. She is an OLD STAGER; a veteran in the service of the apothecary’s wife.
1884. The Field, 6 Dec. While Sabrina and Ripple, OLD STAGERS at the game, slid along the shore.
1897. MARSHALL, Pomes, 108. The same young lady, I will wager, But her escort’s not the same; Methinks he is a younger STAGER.
