rain dogs and cats

rain dogs and cats

1. (idiomatic, dated, rare) Alternative form of rain cats and dogs
   • 1651, Henry Vaughan, Olor Iscanus:

     The Pedlars of our age have business yet, / And gladly would against the Fayr-day fit / Themselves with such a Roofe, that can secure / Their Wares from Dogs and Cats rain'd in showre.

   • 1672, Maurice Atkins, Minor Burlesques and Travesties:

     Where e're I went on Land or water / Hee'd make a shift to follow after. / Neither had he flincht a foot, had fates / Made it rain down dogs and cats

   • 1678, John Phillips, Maronides:

     When it rains Dogs and Cats in Hell, / The shelter'd Centaurs roar and yell.

This term is rarely used, whereas rain cats and dogs is in current usage.

• rain cats and dogs