E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tippling Act (The),
24 Geo. II., chap. 40, which restricted the sale of spirituous liquors retailed on credit for less than 20s. at one time. In part repealed. A “tippler” originally meant a tavern-keeper or tapster, and the tavern was called a “tippling-house.” At Boston, Lincolnshire, in 1577, five persons were appointed “tipplers of Lincoln beer,” and no “other tippler [might] draw or sell beer” … under penalties.
