clodpate

Only a wantwit or a clodpate can fail to get some notion of Johnson's character in his definition of a dedication as "a servile address to a patron," or a pension as "pay given to a state hireling for treason to his country."

We have had but one part which was performed and dressed with propriety, and that was Justice Clodpate.

The devil, you must know, came to the poor man's door, and rapping there, cried, So ho! ho, the house! ho, clodpate! where art thou?

In the middle of July the devil came to the place aforesaid with all his crew at his heels, a whole choir of the younger fry of hell; and having met the farmer, said to him, Well, clodpate, how hast thou done since I went?

Clodpate, and muddy spirit that thou art, thou hast forgot the most hopeful scheme of all—the South Sea Fisheries—their stock is up 50 per cent. already.