1609. Holland, Amenianus Marcellinus. Now, it tooke him in the head, and incensed was his desires (seeing Gaule now quited) to set first upon Constantius.
To do on head, verb. phr. (old). To act rashly.
1559. Eliote, Dict. Abruptum ingenium, a rash brayne that dooeth all thinges on head.
To do on one’s head, phr. (thieves’).—To do easily and with joy.
To fly at the head, verb. phr. (old).—To attack; to go for (q.v.).
1614. Terence in English. Fellow servant, I can very hardly refraine my selfe, but that I must needes flee at the head of him.
To eat one’s head. See Hat.
To eat one’s (or its) head off, verb. phr. (common).—To cost more than the worth in keep.
1703. Country Farmer’s Catechism. My mare has eaten her head off at the Ax in Aldermanbury.
1878. Parker Gillmore, Great Thirst Land, ch. vii. Our horses were eating their heads off at livery.