c. 1388. Townely Mysteries, ut sup, ‘Prima Pastorum,’ p. 96.
Haylle, lytylle, tyne mop.
1589. Puttenham, Arte of Engl. Poes., p. 184. As in our triumphals,
calling familiarly upon our muse, I called her moppe, But will you
weet, My little muse, my prettie moppe, If we shall algates change
our stoppe, Chose me a sweet. Understanding by this word moppe a
little pretty lady, or tender young thing.
1598. Florio, Worlde of Wordes, s.v. Pupo, ... a daintie mop, a
playing babie.
1680. Dryden, Spanish Friar, i. 1. A globe in one hand, and a
sceptre in t’other? A very pretty moppet!
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v.
1706. Hudibras Redivivus, x. These mix’d with brewers, and their
mopsies, Half dead with timpanies and dropsies.
1706. Vanbrugh, The Mistake. Leon. Ah woman! foolish, foolish
woman! San. Very foolish indeed. Jacin. But don’t expect I’ll
follow her example. San. You would, mopsie, if I’d let you.