E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Got the Mitten.
Jilted; got his dismissal. The word is from the Latin mitto, to dismiss.
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“There is a young lady I have set my heart on; though whether she is agoin’ to give me hern, or give me the mitten, I ain’t quite satisfied.”—Sam Slick: Human Nature, p. 90.
