Rain Dogs And Cats Meaning

Example : 1651 - Henry Vaughan, Olor Iscanus (1651).  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 (1672)  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 cats1678 - John Phillips, Maronides (1678)  When it rains Dogs and Cats in Hell,  The shelter'd Centaurs roar and yell;