big-bugs

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

People of consequence.

Then we'll go to the Lord's house--I don't mean to the meetin' house, but where the nobles meet, pick out the big-bugs, and see what sort o' stuff they're made of.--Sam Slick in England, ch. 24.

These preachers dress like big-bugs, and go ridin' about on hundred-dollar horses, a-spungin' poor priest-ridden folks, and a-eaten chicken-fixens so powerful fast that chickens has got scarce in these diggins.--Carlton's New Purchase, Vol. II p. 140.

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big-wigs
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Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.