Paddy

a. [Perhaps from being on the pad, or road, as a tramper, or a highwayman. See PAD.] Low in character or manners; mean; contemptible; poor. [Obs.]

The flower of the pressed English bands are gone, and the remnant supplied with such paddy persons as commonly, in voluntary procurements, men are glad to accept. Digges, 1585.

Even after the expiration of four months the condition of the paddy persons continued most destitute. Motley.

n. [Corrupted from St. Patrick, the tutelar saint of Ireland.] An Irishman;—in joke or contempt.