1803. Gradus ad Cantabrigiam. Habit. College Habit, College dress, called of old, Livery: the dress of the Master, Fellows, and Scholars.
Hab-nab (or Hob-nob (q.v.)), adv. (old).—1. At random; promiscuously; helter-skelter; ding-dong.
1602. Shakspeare, Twelfth Night, iii., 4. His incensement at this moment is so great that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre. Hob-nob is his word; give’t, or take’t.
1664. Butler, Hudibras, ii., 3. Although set down hab-nab at random.
1690. B. E., Cant. Crew, s.v. Hab-nab, at a Venture, Unsight, Unseen, Hit or Miss.
1725. New Cant. Dict., s.v.
2. (old).—By hook or by crook; by fair means or foul.
1581. Lilly, Euphues, 109. Philantus determined habnab to send his letters.
Verb (old).—To drink with; giving health for health.
1836. Horace Smith, The Tin Trumpet. ‘Address to a Mummy.’ Perchance that very hand now pinioned flat Has hob-and-nobbed with Pharaoh glass for glass.