"Some heavy drinking is indulged in through the `shouting' system, which is the rule."
1893. E. W. Hornung, `Tiny Luttrell,' vol. ii. c. xv. p. 98:
"To insist on `shouting' Ruth a penny chair overlooking the ornamental water in St. James's Park."
(p.99): "You shall not be late, because I'll shout a hansom too."
<hw>Shout</hw>, <i>n</i>. a free drink.
1864. H. Simcox, `Outward Bound,' p. 81:
"The arms are left and off they go,
And many a shout they're treated to."
1874. Garnet Walch, Head over Heels,' p. 83:
"I . . . gave the boys round a spread an' a shout."
1880. G. Sutherland, `Tales of Goldfields,' p. 78: