[Lexicog] Shakesepeare coinage 'to boot'

[bolstar1]

      This is to see if anyone can find an earlier use of 'to boot'
(meaning "to one's advantage or profit") than Shakespeare's uses in
Richard III 5.3.301 (Riverside) (approx. 1592-1593) -- "This, and Saint
George to boot!" // and II Henry 3.1.25...29 (Riverside) (approx.
1597-1598) -- "Canst thou, O partial sleep, give then repose...With all
appliances and means to boot,/Deny it to a king?"
      William (and Mary) Morris [Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins]
say that the original meaning of 'boot' in 'to boot' -- "advantage" or
"proft" -- has become obsolete now, except in the phrase 'to boot.', but
that it was "commonly" used in  Milton's (1608-1674) time. I found it in
studying Shakespeare, but couldn't find it used earlier than Milton
(1608-1674).
      Shakespeare used it punnily in Richard III in recounting all his
preparations and plans for the ensuing battle. As a last "advantage"
King Richard added Saint George's presence as a finale to all his noted
advantages.
      (Funnily, Riverside used the now-archaic meaning of the term
'quibble' in referring to a 'pun' (earlier notation).  I quiver to see
if this will be inscribbled into a general inquiry, or scribbled
out-right by the lexicono-scribes for use in my query.

Sincerely, Scott Nelson

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