pudding time
noun1
Obsolete Dinnertime, (pudding being formerly the dish first eaten).
- Jack was received with a hearty welcome by his uncle, for he came in pudding-time, and was invited to dinner; […]1841, Frederick Marryat, Olla Podrida, page 225:
2
Obsolete In the nick of time; critical time, just in time.
- I wyll (quoth he) wyfe, by god almyghty. / This geare comth even in puddyng tyme ryghtly.1546, John Heywood, A dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the prouerbes in the englishe tongue:
- But that our Land-lord did that shift prevent, / Who came in pudding time, and tooke his Rent1623, John Taylor, A new discovery by sea, with a wherry from London to Salisbury:
2 more examples
- Mars, that still protects the stout, / In pudding time came to his aid.1663, Samuel Butler, Hudibras, Part I Canto II:
- 17th century The Vicar of Bray When George in Pudding time came o'er, / And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,