subs. phr. (common).—1. A substitute; a locum tenens; a person occupying another’s office, situation or post during absence or while qualifying for it. Also W. P.: spec. a clergyman holding a living under a bond of resignation; also as adj., e.g., a WARMING-PAN rector: see WARM.
1883. Pall Mall Gazette, 21 Jan. It is not usual to inform a man that you propose to use him as a WARMING-PAN, however excellently suited he may be for such a purpose.
2. (old).—A large, old-fashioned gold watch: cf. FRYING-PAN (q.v.) or TURNIP (q.v.) = a large silver watch (B. E. and GROSE).
3. (old).—A female bed-fellow (B. E. and GROSE); a NIGHT-PIECE (q.v.). Also SCOTCH WARMING-PAN = a wench: spec. a chambermaid.
1672. RAY, Proverbs [BOHN], 61. The story is well-known of the gentleman travelling in Scotland, who desiring to have his bed warmed, the servant-maid doffs her clothes, and lays herself down in it a while. In Scotland they have neither bellows, warming-pans, nor houses of office.
