Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a ‘fast’, ‘sporting’ man.

a.1889		‘My Berty’ [broadside ballad] Berty isn’t bad-tempered, though he’s such a fiery lot; / And he’s cool, though when he’s spreeing, he’s a boy that goes it hot [B&L].
1890–1904		Farmer & Henley Sl. and Its Analogues.