释义 |
▪ I. spitchcock, n.|ˈspɪtʃkɒk| Forms: 6 spechcock, 7 spitchcoke, -cocke, 7– spitchcock. [Of obscure origin.] †1. A method of preparing an eel for the table (see sense 2). Also in advb. use. Obs.
1597Breton Wit's Trenchmour Wks. (Grosart) II. 10/1 The Cunger must be sowst, and the Eele in a Spechcock, or els they are not in their kind. 1771E. Haywood New Present for Maid 70 To broil an Eel Spitchcock. 2. An eel cut into short pieces, dressed with bread-crumbs and chopped herbs, and broiled or fried. Also transf.
1601Chester Love's Martyr, Dial. lxxxi, A Spitchcoke, Stocke-fish, and the litle Pilcher. a1643W. Cartwright Ordinary ii. i, Then a fresh turbot brought in for a buckler, With a long spitchcock for the sword adjoin'd. 1672R. Wild Let. 9 He hath released more souls..than all the Popes since Cerberus the first have saved from being made Spitchcocks in that Kitchin of his Holiness. 1844J. T. J. Hewlett Parsons & W. v, How he will enjoy a spitchcock. attrib.1687Miége Gt. Fr. Dict. ii, A Spitchcock Eel, sorte de grosse Anguille (qu'on rôtit ordinairement). ¶3. = spatchcock n. 1. (In quot. attrib.)
1834M. Scott Cruise Midge (1836) I. v. 132 Give me another cup of coffee..and the wing of that spitchcock chicken, if you please. ▪ II. spitchcock, v.|ˈspɪtʃkɒk| Also 8 spitscock. [f. prec.] 1. trans. To prepare (esp. an eel) for the table as, or after the manner of, a spitchcock.
1675Cotton Burlesque upon B. 98 Sing'd like a Hog And spitch-cock't like a salted Eele. c1700T. Brown Lett. fr. Dead (1707) II. 124 The first Course consisted of a huge Platterful of Scorpions Spitscock'd [etc.]. 1736Bailey Household Dict. s.v. Eel, To spitchcock eels. Having cleans'd a large eel with salt and water,..then draw off the skin [etc.]. 1791G. Huddesford in Salmagundi 144 Raw sprats he swore were worth all fish beside, Fresh, stale, stew'd, spitchcock'd, fricassee'd or fried. a1845Barham Ingol. Leg. Ser. iii. Knt. & Lady, If you chance to be partial to eels,..Have them spitch-cock'd—or stew'd. 2. To deal with (a person) in a similar manner; fig. to handle severely.
1674P. Whalley Established Relig. 18 Had the Emperor given according to his quality..the Dr. had escaped Spitch⁓cocking. 1694Echard Plautus 14 He designs to Spitch⁓cock me, I believe. Wou'd Old Nick had these bloody-minded Fellows. 1721S. Centlivre Artifice iv. i, Oh! that I had her in Spain! I'd spitch-cock her like an Eel. 1814Lamb Corr. 264 But if they catch me in their camps again let them spitchcock me! |