pudding time

pudding time

1. (obsolete) Dinnertime, (pudding being formerly the dish first eaten).
   • 1841, Frederick Marryat, Olla Podrida, page 225:

     Jack was received with a hearty welcome by his uncle, for he came in pudding-time, and was invited to dinner; […]

2. (obsolete) In the nick of time; critical time, just in time.
   • 1546, John Heywood, A dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the prouerbes in the englishe tongue:

     I wyll (quoth he) wyfe, by god almyghty. / This geare comth even in puddyng tyme ryghtly.

   • 1623, John Taylor, A new discovery by sea, with a wherry from London to Salisbury:

     But that our Land-lord did that shift prevent, / Who came in pudding time, and tooke his Rent

   • 1663, Samuel Butler, Hudibras, Part I Canto II:

     Mars, that still protects the stout, / In pudding time came to his aid.

   • 17th century The Vicar of Bray

     When George in Pudding time came o'er, / And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,