4. (common).—To take a dram; or ‘do a drain,’ in celebration of
something, as the purchase of a new pair of boots, a removal, etc.
Christian, subs. (common).—A good fellow; a decent or presentable
person. [A human being as distinguished from the brute creation, in
which sense it is used by Shakspeare; the modern slang usage was
apparently introduced by Dickens.]—See quots. in various senses.
1595. Shakspeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act iii., Sc. 1, 272.
Thee hath more qualities than a Water-Spaniell, which is much in a
bare Christian.
1811. Lexicon Balatronicum, Christian: a tradesman who has faith,
i.e., will give credit.
1843. Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit, xxxiv. You must take your passage
like a Christian; at least, as like a Christian as a fore-cabin
passenger can.
1859. Times, 20 April. Grey parrot for sale, the property of a
lady. She talks like a Christian, and is in first-rate condition.
Price, including cage. £15. Apply, etc., etc.