subs. phr. (old).—1. A louse: and (2) = a tailor: cf. PRICK-LOUSE: see next entry.
1592. GREENE, A Quip for an Upstart Courtier [Harleian Miscellany, V. 404]. Before he [the taylor] had no other cognizance but a plaine Spanish needle with a WELCH-CRICKET at top.
