I find this word used in Nash's "Anatomie of Absurditie," 1589, sig. B., where it seems intended as synonymous to cuckold: "But women, through want of wisedome, are growne to such wantonesse, that uppon no occasion they will crosse the streete, to have a glaunce of some gallant, deeming that men by one looke of them shoulde be in love with them, and will not stick to make an errant over the way, to purchase a paramour to help at a pinche, who, under hur husbands, that hoddy peekes nose, must have all the destilling dew of his delicate rose, leaving him onely a sweet sent, good inough for such a sencelesse sotte."
[263] A losel is a worthless fellow. It is a term of contempt frequently used by Spenser. It is likewise to be met with in the "Death of Robert, Earl of Huntington," 1601:
"To have the lozels company."
Again, in "The Pinner of Wakefield," 1599:
"Peace, prating lozel," &c.
See Mr Steevens's "Notes on Shakspeare," vol. iv., p. 337. Again, in Hall's "Satires," edit. 1753, p. 78—
"How his enraged ghost would stamp and stare,
That Cæsar's throne is turn'd to Peter chayre,
To see an old shorne lozel perched high,
Crossing beneath a golden canopy."