subs. phr. (old cant).—The leader of a gang of mendicants or thieves (see quot. 1561); ‘the second rank of the Canting Tribes, having sole right to the first night’s Lodging with the Dells’ (B. E.); ‘a thorough-paced and determined thief’ (GROSE): see CURTAIL.

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  1561.  AWDELEY, The Fraternitye of Vacabondes. An VPRIGHT MAN is one that goeth wyth the trunchion of a staffe, which staffe they cal a Fellchman. This man is of so much authority that, meeting with any of his profession, he may cal them to accompt, and commaund a share or snap vnto him selfe of al that they haue gained by their trade in one moneth.

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  1567.  HARMAN, A Caveat or Warening for Common Cursetors, 75. A dell is a yonge wenche, able for generation, and not yet knowen or broken by the VPRIGHT MAN.

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  1611.  MIDDLETON, The Roaring Girle [DODSLEY, Old Plays (REED), vi. 108]. Brother to this UPRIGHT MAN, flesh and blood, ruffling Tear-cat is my name.

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  1622.  FLETCHER, Beggar’s Bush, ii. 1.

          Hig.  Come, princes of the ragged regiment;
You o’ the blood, Prig, my most UPRIGHT LORD.

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