dudgen
adjEtymology Unknown. Compare dudgeon.
1
Obsolete Contemptible.
- A melancholy boddy is not the kindest nurse for a chearely minde, (the joviall complexion is soverainly beholding to nature,) but I know not a finer transformation in Ovid then the Metamorphosis of dudgen earnest into sport; of harsh sower into sweet; of losse into gaine; or reproch into credit; of whatsoever badd occurrence into some good.1593, Gabriel Harvey, Pierces Supererogation: Or A New Prayse of the Old Asse, page 21:
- Gentlemen (according to the laudable custome) I am to court you with a few premisses considered: but a number of you there bee, who consider neigher premisses nor conclusion, but piteouslie torment Title Pages on euerie poast: neuer readidng farther of anie Booke, than Imprinted by Simeon such a signe, and yet with your dudgen iudgement will desperatelie presume to run up to the hard hilts through the whole bulke of it.1594, Thomas Nashe, The Terrors of the Night:
1 more example
- Think' st thou, my Wit shall keepe the pack- Horse Way , That ev'ry Dudgen low Invention goes?1599, Michael Drayton, Idea, page 107: