Antedating of "Charley Horse"

[Fred Shapiro]

The earliest previously known usage of "Charley horse," I believe, was 29
Aug. 1886 found by Sam Clements.


Charley horse (OED 1888)

1886 _Boston Globe_ 17 July 5   Several years ago, says the Chicago
Tribune, Joe Quest, now of the Athletics, gave the name of "Charlie horse"
to a peculiar contraction and hardening of the muscles and tendons of the
thigh, to which base ball players are especially liable from the sudden
starting and stopping in chasing balls, as well as the frequent slides in
base running. Pfetlor, Anson and Kelly are so badly troubled with "Charley
horse" there are times they can scarcely walk.


Fred Shapiro


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
Associate Librarian for Collections and     YALE DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS
  Access and Lecturer in Legal Research     Yale University Press,
Yale Law School                             forthcoming
e-mail: fred.shapiro at yale.edu               http://quotationdictionary.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------