Guinea-pig, subs. (old).—1. A general term of reproach.
1748. Smollett, Roderick Random, xxiv. A good seaman he is, as ever stepp’d on forecastle—none of your guinea-pigs,—nor your freshwater, wishy-washy, fair-weather fowls.
2. (old).—Any one whose nominal fee for professional services is a guinea: as vets., special jurymen, etc. Now mainly restricted to clergymen acting as deputies, and (in contempt) to directors of public companies. Hence Guinea-trade = professional services of any kind.
1821. Coombe, Dr. Syntax, Tour III., c. iv. ‘Oh, oh,’ cried Pat, ‘how my hand itches, Thou guinea-pig 1871. Temple Bar, vol. xxxi., p. 320. A much more significant term is that of guinea pigs, the pleasant name for those gentlemen of more rank than means, who hire themselves out as directors of public companies, and who have a guinea and a copious lunch when they attend board meetings. 1880. Church Review, 2 Jan. Guinea pigs … are, for the most part, unattached or roving parsons, who will take any brother cleric’s duty for the moderate remuneration of one guinea. 1883. Saturday Review, 25 Aug., p. 246, c. 2. A country parson was suddenly attacked with diphtheria, late in the week. Recourse was had in vain to the neighbours, and it was decided at last to telegraph to London for a guinea pig. 1884. Echo, 19 May, p. 1, c. 5. Let us apply the principle further, and imagine … limited liability swindlers tried by a jury of guinea-pigs and company promoters. [[230]] 1884. Graphic, 29 Nov., p. 562, c. 3. And the guinea-pig, whose name is on a dozen different Boards, is justly regarded with suspicion. 1886. Chambers’s Jour., 24 Apr., p. 258. In order to be considered of any value as Director of a Company, a guinea-pig ought to have a handle to his name.