If Falstaff deplored "eight yards of uneven ground as being three score and ten miles a foot," with equal truth did I feel that these twelve awful steps were worse to me than would be M'Gillicuddy reeks in the day-light, and with a head clear from champagne.
"The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete"
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)
I can't rightly tell you the day of the month, but it was about three reeks after we rescued Thomas Llewellin, who had been sent to gaol on account of the row at Mr. Stephens's.
"Faces and Places"
Henry William Lucy
The air is sultry and depressing, but has not that foul swamp smell with which Poti, on the Black Sea, reeks, the most malarious spot I had ever before visited.
"Impressions of South Africa"
James Bryce