1610. Jonson, Alchemist, ii., 1. I know him not, he looks like a gold-end man.
1622. Fletcher, Beggar’s Bush, iii., 1. Hig. Have ye any ends of gold or silver?
Golden Grease, subs. phr. (old).—A fee; also a bribe. For synonyms, see Palm Oil.
Goldfinch, subs. (old).—1. A well-to-do man; a warm ’un (q.v.).
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Goldfinch, c. He that has alwaies a Purse or Cod of Gold in his Fob.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1852. Judson, Mysteries, etc., of New York, ch. iv. ‘Was the swell a goldfinch?’ ‘He wasn’t nothin’ else. Got a clean ten times ten out of him.’
Ibid. ‘It’ll be a great lay, if the game’s fat. Is it a goldfinch?’ ‘Fifty thousand, hard dust.’
2. (common).—A guinea; a sovereign. For synonyms, see Canary.
1700. Farquhar, Constant Couple, ii., 2. Sir H. Don’t you love singing-birds, madam? Angel (aside). That’s an odd question for a lover; (aloud) Yes, sir. Sir H. Why, then, madam, here is a nest of the prettiest goldfinches that ever chirped in a cage.