1699. Robert Franck, Northern Memoirs (quoted in New Review, Aug., 1893, p. 145). So huffed away.
1700. Mrs. Centlivre, Perjured Husband. ‘Epilogue.’ Let cowards cease to huff.
1705. Ward, Hudibras Redivivus, vol. I., pt. iii., p. 14. And in their frenzy, huff and threaten With what sad stripes we shall be beaten.
1708. Prior, Poems, ‘The Mice.’ (Aldine ed. ii., 244, 50). One went to Holland where they huff folk, T’other to vend his wares in Suffolk.
1714. Newest Academy of Compliments. Pray neighbour, why d’ye look awry? You’re grown a wondrous stranger; You huff, you pout, you walk about As tho’ you’d burst with anger.
1719. Durfey, Pills, etc., i., 283. Thus, thus I strut and huff. Idem., i., 154. But when the new ones did stoop, The t’other as huffing would be. Idem., v., 99. When Bullies leave huffing and Cowards their Trembling.
1725. Swift, Poems, ‘A New Song’ (Chalmers, English Poets, 1810, xi., 446). If he goes to the baker’s the baker will huff, And twenty pence ask for a twopenny loaf.
d. 1742. Somerville, Occasional Poems, ‘The Officious Messenger’ (Chalmers, English Poets, 1810, xi., 206). Her ladyship began to huff.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
2. To anger; to cheek (q.v.); to get angered.