A character possibly crafted around a person at the time but no definitive information was found to support this.

A position or juncture in which one can do no more, an extremity, ‘a hopeless exigence’ (Johnson). Usually in phrase at a dead lift. (Very common in the 17th c.: now arch. or dial.) (OED)

A person who curries favour with another, esp. by informing against someone else; a flatterer, a sycophant; a telltale. (OED)

An abbreviation of God's life (see god n. and int.Phrases 3b(a)) used as a petty oath or exclamation. (OED)