Dictionary

cup-shot en · ADJ

Etymology

England, late 15th century–early 19th century. From cup (“drinking vessel”) + shot (“discharged, cleared”).

Meanings

1. (obsolete) Intoxicated; drunk.
   • At this time the ſpring-tide of their mirth ſo drowned their ſouls; that the Turks coming in upon them, cut every one of their throats, to the number of twentie^([sic]) thouſand: and quickly they were ſtabbed with the ſword that were cup-ſhot before. A day which the Dutch may well write in their Kalendars^([sic]) in red letters died with their own bloud;^([sic]) when their camp was their ſhambles, the Turks their butchers, and themſelves the Martinmaſſe-beeves: from which the beaſtly drunkards differ but a little. 1639, Thomas Fuller, The Historie of the Holy Warre, 4th edition, book 3, chapter 16, Cambridge: Printed by Thomas Buck, published 1651, page 135:
   • Dominic braced a hand on the mantel and stared down at the fire, trying to ignore the generous brandy Cates had poured out for him. As much as he'd like to get royally drunk, he wouldn't give in to temptation. Not until the threat to Chloe and Jane had passed, at any rate. Besides, getting cup-shot would hardly fix his problems with the lovely Mrs. Piper. 2014, Vanessa Kelly, chapter 4, in Tall, Dark and Royal (The Renegade Royals), Zebra Books, →ISBN, page 41:
   • A young Enchantresse close by him did stand / Tapping his plump thighes with a mirtle wand: / She smil'd; he kist; and kissing, cull'd her too; / And being cup-shot, more he co'd not doe. 1648, Robert Herrick, “The Vision”, in Hesperides:

Forms

Relateds

cup-shotten

Synonyms

drunk