Hemp (or Hemp-seed, Stretch-Hemp, Hemp-string, or Hempy), subs. (old).—1. A rogue; a candidate fit for the gallows. Frequently used jocularly. A crack-halter (q.v.). Fr., une graine de bagne. [[302]]
1532. Sir T. More, Wks. [1557], folio 715. [He] feareth [not] to mocke the Sacrament, the blessed body of God, and ful like a stretch hempe, call it but cake, bred, or starch.
1566. Gascoigne, Supposes, iv., 3. If I come near you, hempstring, I will teach you to sing sol fa.
1598. Shakspeare, 2 Henry IV., ii., 1. Do, do, thou rogue, thou hemp-seed.
1606. Chapman, Mons. D’Olive, Act v., p. 135. (Plays, 1874). Van. A perfect young hempstring. Va. Peace, least he overhear you.
1659. Lady Alimony, iv., 6. (Dodsley, Old Plays, 4th ed., 1875, xiv., p. 350). Now, you hempstrings, had you no other time to nim us but when we were upon our visits?
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Hemp, young-hemp, An appellation for a graceless boy.
1817. Scott, Rob Roy, ch. xxxiv. She’s under lawful authority now; and full time, for she was a daft hempie.
1839. Ainsworth, Jack Sheppard, [Ed. 1840], p. 139. ‘We’ll see that, young hempseed,’ replied Sharples.
2. (old).—A halter.