pussy, adj. = corpulent (1688)

[Jonathan Lighter]

OED has this from 1844 as "Chiefly U.S. dial." But here's an English ex. from over 150 years earlier :

1688  "Phylotheus Phystologus" [Thomas Tryon] _Monthly Observations for the Preserving of Health with a Long and Comfortable Life, in this our Plgrimage on Eath; but more Particularly for the Spring and Summer Seasons_  (London: Andrew Sowle, 1688)  52  Gruel....' Tis very good for Fat Pussy People, especially, if they joyn Exercise therewith.

Advice that has stood the test of time.

Tryon, an early philosopher of vegetarianism, was born in Bilbury, Gloucester, in 1634.

JL


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