_bouillon_
in senses derived from
that of "bubble.
Ben Jonson - The Devil's Association
, _Wks._ 7. 291) was the first to disconnect the
word from _bullion_ meaning uncoined gold or silver. He says:
'_Bullions_, I apprehend, mean some sort of hose or breeches,
which were _bolled_ or _bulled_, i. e. swelled, puffed out
(cf. _Sad. Shep._, Act 1. Sc. 2, _bulled_ nosegays').'
The _NED._ gives 'prob. a. F. _bouillon_
in senses derived from
that of "bubble.
"'
Besides the passages already given, the word occurs in B. & Fl.,
_The Chances_, _Wks._ 7. 291:
Why should not bilbo raise him, or a pair of bullions?
_Beggar's Bush_, _Wks._ 9. 81:
In his French doublet, with his blister'd
(1st fol. _baster'd_) bullions.
Brome, _Sparagus Garden_, _Wks._ 3. 152:
--shaking your
Old Bullion Tronkes over my Trucklebed.
