Careful Words

stubble (n.)

If this fail,

The pillar'd firmament is rottenness,

And earth's base built on stubble.

John Milton (1608-1674): Comus. Line 597.

Fresh as a bridegroom; and his chin new reap'd

Showed like a stubble-land at harvest-home;

He was perfumed like a milliner,

And 'twixt his finger and his thumb he held

A pouncet-box, which ever and anon

He gave his nose and took 't away again.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry IV. Part I. Act i. Sc. 3.