What did "catch a cold" mean when Shakespeare first used it?
When Shakespeare first used the phrase "catch a cold," it had the same meaning as it does today, referring to the act of becoming ill with a cold. The expression "catch a cold" is believed to have originated in the 16th century, during the time of Shakespeare.
To understand the context in which Shakespeare used the phrase, you can consult his plays or research the specific line or scene where it appears. One of his famous works where the phrase is mentioned is in the play "Cymbeline." In Act 3, Scene 2, the character Iachimo exclaims, "It will not hurt him, if he take's his rest at noon. / It is his usual time of day. / He's used to it. / I hear him coming. / I warrant him, / We'll play with him awhile, upon this catch, / Till he has caught my fiery pace." In this instance, "upon this catch" doesn't refer to catching a cold, but rather to a game or trap being set for someone.