1882. Literary World, 3 Feb. Rushing off . . . from the splendour and lionizing of a London season.
1886. Fortnightly Rev., xl. 357. [Liszt] allowed himself . . . to be lionized.
3. (colloquial).—To show the sights of a place; to play the cicerone.
1871. Disraeli, Lothair, ch. xxiv. He had lionized the distinguished visitors during the last few days over the University.
4. (colloquial).—To go sight-*seeing.
1825. English Spy, i. 137. After partaking of some refreshment and adjusting my dress, we sallied forth to lionise as Tom called it, which is the Oxford term for gazing about, usually applied to strangers.
1849. Thackeray, Pendennis, xviii. He would ogle the ladies who came to lionise the University.
Lion's provider, subs. phr. (colloquial).—A
sycophant; a jackal
(q.v.).
Lion's share, subs. phr. (colloquial).—The
bigger part.
Lip, subs. (common).—Impudence;
sauce (q.v.). To give lip = to
cheek (q.v.).
1821. D. Haggart, Life, p. 20. Giving him plenty of lip. Ibid., p. 172. Lip, abuse.
1877. Five Years' Penal Servitude, iv. p. 285. He looked out for a 'cheeky answer,' a 'bit of lip,' and had I given it to him he would have reported me without fail.
1884. M. Twain, Huck. Finn, v. p. 31. 'Don't you give me none o' your lip,' says he. . . . 'I'll take you down a peg before I get done with you.'
1888. F. R. Stockton, Rudder Grange, 99. I told him that I didn't want none of his lip.
Verb. (colloquial).—1. To sing. For synonyms see Warble. Fr. rossignoler. (2) To speak.
1789. Geo. Parker, Life's Painter, 124. But come, I'll lip ye a chaunt.
1841. Leman Rede, Sixteen String Jack, ii. 3. So thus I'll trip it, lip it.
1885. Punch, 10 Jan., p. 21. I had great power, millions lipped my name.
To button up the lip (or mouth), verb. phr. (common).—To silence. Button your lip! = hold your tongue; stow it (q.v.).
1747-8. Trapp, Explanatory Notes on the Gospels. Mathew xxii. 46. How easily can God button up the mouths of our busiest adversaries.
1868. Notes & Queries, 4 S. 1. 603. At school it was thought quite an accomplishment in the young gentlemen who were fast of tongue to be able to silence a talkative comrade with the phrase 'Button your lip.'
To fall betwixt cup and lip. See Slip.
To keep (or carry) a stiff upper lip, verb. phr. (common).—To be self-reliant under difficulties; to be unflinching in the attainment of an object.
1833. Neal, Down Easters, ii. 15. Keep a stiff upper lip; no bones broke—don't I know?
1835. Haliburton, Clockmaker, 1st S. xxxii. He was well to do in the world once, carried a stiff upper lip, and keered for no one.
1847. Chronicles of Pineville, 150. Tut, tut, major, keep a stiff upper lip, and you'll bring him this time.
1850. H. D. Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, xii. I hope you keep up good heart, and are cheerful. Now, no sulks, ye see; keep a stiff upper lip, boys; do well by me, and I'll do well by you.
To make a lip, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To mock; to grimace.
1610. Shakspeare, Coriolanus, ii. 1. I will make a lip at the physician.
