A sort of exclamatory oath, employed to give weight to a statement.

interjection. An expression of surprise, shock etc.

"There were four persons in the room, that poor old "begad" major, who could not ride, and Captain Bartlet, both hastily summoned from the depôt evidently, and still in mess dress; Dr. James in ordinary morning costume, with a covert coat on; and Evadne herself in a black evening dress, open at the throat."

500-year  Antigua  BX  Sonny  affray