bethel the city, v. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

bethel the city v.

[proper name of Slingsby Bethel (1617–97) who, with Henry Cornish, was elected Sheriff of London in 1680; see cit. 1740]

1. to be a poor host.

1984

Partridge DSUE (8th edn) 72/2: C.18.

2. to eat in chop-houses.

1740

R. North Examen 93: In the year 1680, Bethel and Cornish were chosen Sheriffs. The former used to walk about more like a Corncutter than Sheriff of London. He kept no House, but lived upon Chops, whence it is proverbial, for not feasting, to Bethel the City.