KIT CAT CLUB

The name of a celebrated a ociation, instituted about 1G88 by " some young men of wit and pleasure about town," originally for convivial purposes; but as its most distinguished members were Whigs in politics, it gradually a umed a political character, till in the reign of Queen Anne it came to be regarded as exclusively political in its objects. At that period it comprised above forty noblemen and gentlemen of the first rank and quality, merit and fortune, firm friends to the Han over i an succe ion; among whom were Add is on, Steele, Marl borough, Walpole, . . It was originally formed in Shire Lane, and derived its name from one Christopher (Kit) Kat, who supplied the members with mutton pies. The fame of this club has been transmitted chiefly by the collection of the portraits of the members painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller, himself a member, who was obliged to invent a new-sized canva accommodated to the height of walls; whence has originated the application of the epithet kit cat to any portrait about three quarters in length. It was di olved in the year 1720. {Quart. Rev. vol. xxvi.) [s. 641]