Careful Words

booby (n.)

The booby father craves a booby son,

And by Heaven's blessing thinks himself undone.

Edward Young (1684-1765): Love of Fame. Satire ii. Line 165.

Where yet was ever found a mother

Who 'd give her booby for another?

John Gay (1688-1732): Fables. Part i. The Mother, the Nurse, and the Fairy.