christian n EDD ~ sb 1; OED sb 5 'now only colloq or humorous.' A human being as distinguished from an animal.
   [1783] 1792 CARTWRIGHT iii, 24 It is an actual truth however, that a late servant of mine ... could never be prevailed upon to taste the flesh of beavers, because he was sure, he said, 'They were enchanted Christians.' P 245-56 The dog eats like a Christian. T 49-64 When I was going to the seal fishery 'twas dogs then; you were not Christians, but all dogs. 1968 DILLON 134 Some animals, girl, are as cute as a Christian... He was working up there for three or four years, an' he didn't know a Christian.

Go Back