[Ads-l] Antedating of "drop out" v.

[Steven Losie]

To drop out (v.2, OED3, 1883)

The OED provides the definition: "To withdraw or disappear from one's (or
its) place in a series, group, etc.; to disappear from public notice; spec.
to ‘opt out’ from society."

[begin quote]
Our country — If her _measures_ are _justified_ by strict policy, the
_section_ that _drops out_ should be ejected from the _fount_.
[end quote]
"Washington's Birthday", Washington (DC) Gazette, 24 Feb 1819, p.3, col.3 (
newspapers.com)
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1043753967/?match=1&terms=%22school%22%20%22drops%20out%22&pqsid=LRJQgbga-YRmimrJQnnVsA%3A580645%3A1321574844

[begin quote]
While the latter would relax them so much that any State might drop out of
the Union at its own will and pleasure.
[end quote]
The Globe (Washington, DC), 16 June 1832, p.3, col.2 (newspapers.com)
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1040913752/?match=1&terms=%22school%22%20%22drops%20out%22

[begin quote]
The whole body of Whigs applauded this infamous declaration...and were
content to drop out of sight as a party themselves, and following shouting
in the train of ragamuffins they were at one time bent on sending to the
galleys.
[end quote]
Berrow's Worcester Journal (Worcester, England), 13 April 1843, p.1, col.1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/401227387/?match=1&terms=%22drops%20out%22

[begin quote]
The excessive number of Virginia troops who were permitted to drop out of
the ranks and return to their homes, shows very well that there was no firm
purpose to carry the war out of the limits of that State.
[end quote]
"A Bit of War History --- Lee's Surrender Premeditated", The Knoxville
Whig, 3 Jan 1866, p.3, col.2 (newspapers.com)
https://www.newspapers.com/image/76160431/?match=1&terms=%22school%22%20%22drops%20out%22

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