Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Word/Phrase History -- Pimping

I found a use of the word "pimping" in Shamela (published 1741):

In the Character of Mrs. Jewkes Vice is rewarded; whence every Housekeeper may learn the Usefulness of pimping and bawding for her Master.
Did they do stuff like that in 1741? :-)

Pimp doesn't seem to be listed on Word Detective, so I can't compare notes that way.