_quid_, he gave me a guinea. A _kid_ who delivers his bundle to a sharper
without hesitation, or a shopkeeper who is easily duped of his goods by
means of a forged order or false pretence, is said to _drop the swag in
good twig_, meaning, to part with it freely.
DROP A WHID, to let fall a word, either inadvertently or designedly.
DROP-COVE, a _sharp_ who practises the _game_ of ring-dropping.
DROP DOWN. _See_ DOWN.
DRUMMOND, any scheme or project considered to be infallible, or any event
which is deemed inevitably certain, is declared to be _a Drummond_;
meaning, it is as sure as the credit of that respectable banking-house,
Drummond and Co.
DUB, a key.
DUB AT A KNAPPING-JIGGER, a collector of tolls at a turnpike-gate.
DUB-COVE, or DUBSMAN, a turnkey.
DUBLIN-PACKET. _See_ DOUBLE.
DUB UP, to lock up or secure any thing or place; also to button one’s
pocket, coat, _&c._
DUCE. Twopence is called _a duce_.
DUDS, women’s apparel in general.
DUES. This term is sometimes used to express money, where any certain
sum or payment is spoken of; a man asking for money due to him for any
service done, or a _blowen_ requiring her previous compliment from a
_family-man_, would say, Come, _tip_ us _the dues_. So a thief, requiring
his share of booty from his _palls_, will desire them to _bring the dues
to light_.
DUES. This word is often introduced by the lovers of _flash_ on many
occasions, but merely _out of fancy_, and can only be understood from
the context of their discourse; like many other cant terms, it is not
easily explained on paper: for example, speaking of a man likely to go
to jail, one will say, there will be _quodding dues concerned_, of a
man likely to be executed; there will be _topping dues_, if any thing
is alluded to that will require a fee or bribe, there must be _tipping
dues_, or _palming dues concerned_, _&c._
DUMMY, a pocket-book; a silly half-witted person.
DUMMY-HUNTERS, thieves who confine themselves to the practice of
stealing gentlemen’s pocket-books, and think, or profess to think, it
paltry to touch a _clout_, or other insignificant article; this class of
depredators traverse the principal streets of London, during the busy
hours, and sometimes meet with valuable prizes.
DUNNICK, or DANNA-DRAG. _See_ KNAP A JACOB.
F
FADGE, a farthing.
FAKE, a word so variously used, that I can only illustrate it by a few
examples. To _fake_ any person or place, may signify to rob them; to
_fake_ a person, may also imply to shoot, wound, or cut; to _fake_ a
man _out and out_, is to kill him; a man who inflicts wounds upon, or
otherwise disfigures, himself, for any sinister purpose, is said to have
_faked himself_; if a man’s shoe happens to pinch, or gall his foot, from
its being over-tight, he will complain that his shoe _fakes_ his foot
sadly; it also describes the doing any act, or the fabricating any thing,
as, to _fake_ your _slangs_, is to cut your irons in order to escape from
custody; to _fake_ your _pin_, is to create a sore leg, or to cut it,
as if accidentally, with an axe, _&c._, in hopes to obtain a discharge
from the army or navy, to get into the doctor’s list, _&c._; to _fake_ a
_screeve_, is to write any letter, or other paper; to _fake_ a _screw_,
is to shape out a skeleton or false key, for the purpose of _screwing_
a particular place; to _fake_ a _cly_, is to pick a pocket; _&c._ _&c._
_&c._
FAKE AWAY, THERE’S NO DOWN, an intimation from a thief to his _pall_,
during the commission of a robbery, or other act, meaning, go on with
your operations, there is no sign of any alarm or detection.
FAKEMAN-CHARLEY; FAKEMENT. As _to fake_ signifies to do any act, or make
any thing, so _the fakement_ means the act or thing alluded to, and on
which your discourse turns; consequently, any stranger unacquainted with
your subject will not comprehend what is meant by _the fakement_; for
instance, having recently been concerned with another in some robbery,
and immediately separated, the latter taking the booty with him, on your
next meeting you will inquire, what he has done with the _fakement_?
meaning the article stolen, whether it was a pocket-book, piece of linen,
or what not. Speaking of any stolen property which has a private mark,
one will say, there is a _fakeman-charley_ on it; a forgery which is
well executed, is said to be a _prime fakement_; in a word, any thing is
liable to be termed a _fakement_, or a _fakeman-charley_, provided the
person you address knows to what you allude.
FAM, the hand.
FAM, to feel or handle.
FAMILY, thieves, sharpers and all others who get their living _upon the
cross_, are comprehended under the title of “_The Family_.”
FAMILY-MAN, or WOMAN, any person known or recognised as belonging to _the
family_; all such are termed _family people_.
FANCY, any article universally admired for its beauty, or which the
owner sets particular store by, is termed a _fancy article_; as, a
_fancy clout_, is a favourite handkerchief, _&c._; so a woman who is the
particular favourite of any man, is termed his _fancy woman_, and _vice
versâ_.
FAWNEY, a finger-ring.
FAWNIED, or FAWNEY-FAM’D, having one or more rings on the finger.
FEEDER, a spoon.
FENCE, a receiver of stolen goods; to _fence_ any property, is to sell it
to a receiver or other person.
FIB, a stick. To _fib_ is to beat with a stick; also to box.
FIBBING-GLOAK, a pugilist.
FIBBING-MATCH, a boxing match.
FILE, a person who has had a long course of experience in the arts of
fraud, so as to have become an adept, is termed _an old file upon the
town_; so it is usual to say of a man who is extremely cunning, and not
to be over-reached, that he is a _deep file_. _File_, in the old version
of cant, signified a pickpocket, but the term is now obsolete.
FINGER-SMITH, a midwife.
FI’PENNY, a clasp-knife.
FLASH, the cant language used by _the family_. To speak _good flash_ is
to be well versed in cant terms.
FLASH, a person who affects any peculiar habit, as swearing, dressing in
a particular manner, taking snuff, _&c._, merely to be taken notice of,
is said to do it _out of flash_.
FLASH, to be _flash_ to any matter or meaning, is to understand or
comprehend it, and is synonymous with being _fly_, _down_, or _awake_;
to _put_ a person _flash to_ any thing, is to put him on his guard, to
explain or inform him of what he was before unacquainted with.
FLASH, to shew or expose any thing; as I _flash’d_ him a _bean_, I shewed
him a guinea. Don’t _flash_ your _sticks_, don’t expose your pistols,
_&c._
FLASH-COVE, or COVESS, the landlord or landlady of a _flash-ken_.
FLASH-CRIB, FLASH-KEN, or FLASH-PANNY, a public-house resorted to chiefly
by _family people_, the master of which is commonly an old _prig_, and
not unfrequently an _old-lag_.
FLASH-MAN, a favourite or _fancy-man_; but this term is generally applied
to those dissolute characters upon the town, who subsist upon the
liberality of unfortunate women; and who, in return, are generally at
hand during their nocturnal perambulations, to protect them should any
brawl occur, or should they be detected in robbing those whom they have
_picked up_.
FLASH-MOLLISHER, a _family_-woman.
FLASH-SONG, a song interlarded with _flash_ words, generally relating to
the exploits of the _prigging_ fraternity in their various branches of
depredation.
FLESH-BAG, a shirt.
FLAT. In a general sense, any honest man, or _square cove_, in opposition
to a _sharp_ or _cross-cove_; when used particularly, means the person
whom you have a design to rob or defraud, who is termed the _flat_, or
the _flatty-gory_. A man who does any foolish or imprudent act, is called
_a flat_; any person who is found an easy dupe to the designs of _the
family_, is said to be a _prime flat_. _It’s a good flat that’s never
down_, is a proverb among _flash_ people; meaning, that though a man may
be repeatedly duped or taken in, he must in the end have his eyes opened
to his folly.
FLAT-MOVE. Any attempt or project that miscarries, or any act of folly or
mismanagement in human affairs is said to be a _flat move_.
FLATS, a cant name for playing-cards.
FLIP, to shoot.
FLOOR, to knock down any one, either for the purpose of robbery, or to
effect your escape, is termed _flooring him_.
FLOOR’D, a person who is so drunk, as to be incapable of standing, is
said to be _floor’d_.
FLUE-FAKER, a chimney-sweeper.
FLY, vigilant; suspicious; cunning; not easily robbed or duped; a
shopkeeper or person of this description, is called a _fly cove_, or a
_leary cove_; on other occasions _fly_ is synonymous with _flash_ or
_leary_, as, I’m _fly_ to you, I was _put flash to_ him, _&c._
FLY THE MAGS, to gamble, by tossing up halfpence.
FOGLE, a silk-handkerchief.
FORKS, the two fore-fingers of the hand; to _put your forks down_, is to
pick a pocket.
FOSS, or PHOS, a phosphorus bottle used by _cracksmen_ to obtain a light.
FRISK, to search; to _frisk a cly_, is to empty a pocket of its contents;
to stand _frisk_, is to stand search.
FRISK, fun or mirth of any kind.
G
GAFF, to gamble with cards, dice, _&c._, or to toss up.
GAFF, a country fair; also a meeting of gamblers for the purpose of play;
any public place of amusement is liable to be called _the gaff_, when
spoken of in _flash_ company who know to what it alludes.
GALANEY, a fowl.
GALLOOT, a soldier.
GAME, every particular branch of depredation practised by _the family_,
is called a _game_; as, what _game_ do you go upon? One species of
robbery or fraud is said to be a good _game_, another a _queer game_,
_&c._
GAMMON, flattery; deceit; pretence; plausible language; any assertion
which is not strictly true, or professions believed to be insincere, as,
I believe you’re _gammoning_, or, that’s all _gammon_, meaning, you are
no doubt jesting with me, or, that’s all a farce. To _gammon_ a person,
is to amuse him with false assurances, to praise, or flatter him, in
order to obtain some particular end; to _gammon_ a man _to_ any act, is
to persuade him to it by artful language, or pretence; to _gammon_ a
shopkeeper, _&c._, is to engage his attention to your discourse, while
your accomplice is executing some preconcerted plan of depredation upon
his property; a thief detected in a house which he has entered, _upon the
sneak_, for the purpose of robbing it, will endeavour by some _gammoning_
story to account for his intrusion, and to get off with a good grace;
a man who is, ready at invention, and has always a flow of plausible
language on these occasions, is said to be _prime gammoner_; to _gammon
lushy_ or _queer_, is to pretend drunkenness, or sickness, for some
private end.
GAMMON THE TWELVE, a man who has been tried by a criminal court, and by
a plausible defence, has induced the jury to acquit him, or to banish
the capital part of the charge, and so save his life, is said, by his
associates to have _gammoned the twelve in prime twig_, alluding to the
number of jurymen.
GAMS, the legs, to have _queer gams_, is to be bandy-legged, or otherwise
deformed.
GARNISH, a small sum of money exacted from a _new chum_ on his entering a
jail, by his fellow-prisoners, which affords them a treat of beer, gin,
_&c._
GARDEN, to _put_ a person _in the garden_, _in the hole_, _in the
bucket_, or _in the well_, are synonymous phrases, signifying to defraud
him of his due share of the booty by embezzling a part of the property,
or the money, it is _fenced_ for; this phrase also applies generally to
defrauding any one with whom you are confidentially connected of what is
justly his due.
GARRET, the fob-pocket.
GEORGY, a quartern-loaf.
GILL, a word used by way of variation, similar to _cove_, _gloak_, or
_gory_; but generally coupled to some other descriptive term, as a
_flash-gill_, a _toby-gill_, _&c._
GIVE IT TO, to rob or defraud any place or person, as, I _gave it to_ him
_for_ his _reader_, I robb’d him of his pocket-book. What _suit_ did you
_give it_ them _upon_? In what manner, or by what means, did you effect
your purpose? Also, to impose upon a person’s credulity by telling him
a string of falsehoods; or to take any unfair advantage of another’s
inadvertence or unsuspecting temper, on any occasion; in either case, the
party at last _dropping down_, that is, detecting your imposition, will
say, I believe you have been _giving it to_ me nicely all this while.
GLAZE, a glass-window.
GLIM, a candle, or other light.
GLIM-STICK, a candlestick.
GLOAK, synonymous with GILL, which _see_.
GNARL, to _gnarl upon_ a person, is the same as _splitting_ or _nosing
upon_ him; a man guilty of this treachery is called a _gnarling_
scoundrel, _&c._
GO-ALONGER, a simple easy person, who suffers himself to be made a tool
of, and is readily persuaded to any act or undertaking by his associates,
who inwardly laugh at his folly, and ridicule him behind his back.
GO OUT, to follow the profession of thieving; two or more persons who
usually rob in company, are said to _go out_ together.
GOOD, a place or person, which promises to be easily robbed, is said to
be _good_, as, that house is _good upon the crack_; this shop is _good
upon the star_; _the swell_ is _good for_ his _montra_; _&c._ A man
who declares himself good for any favour or thing, means, that he has
sufficient influence, or possesses the certain means to obtain it; _good
as bread_, or _good as cheese_, are merely emphatical phrases to the same
effect. _See_ CAZ.
GORY, a term synonymous with _cove_, _gill_, or _gloak_, and like them,
commonly used in the descriptive. _See_ FLAT and SWELL.
GRAB, to seize; apprehend; take in custody; to make a _grab_ at any
thing, is to snatch suddenly, as at a gentleman’s watch-chain, _&c._
GRAB’D, taken, apprehended.
GRAY, a halfpenny, or other coin, having two heads or two tails, and
fabricated for the use of gamblers, who, by such a deception, frequently
win large sums.
GROCERY, halfpence, or copper coin, in a collective sense.
GRUB, victuals of any kind; to _grub_ a person, is to diet him, or find
him in victuals; to _grub_ well, is to eat with an appetite.
GUN, a view; look; observation; or taking notice; as, there is a strong
_gun_ at us, means, we are strictly observed. To _gun_ anything, is to
look at or examine it.
H
HADDOCK, a purse; _a haddack stuff’d with beans_, is a jocular term for a
purse full of guineas!
HALF A BEAN, HALF A QUID, half-a-guinea.
HALF A BULL, half-a-crown.
HALF-FLASH AND HALF-FOOLISH, this character is applied sarcastically to a
person, who has a smattering of the cant language, and having associated
a little with _family_ people, pretends to a knowledge of _life_ which
he really does not possess, and by this conduct becomes an object of
ridicule among his acquaintance.
HAMMERISH, _down as a hammer_.
HANG IT ON, purposely to delay or protract the performance of any task or
service you have undertaken, by dallying, and making as slow a progress
as possible, either from natural indolence, or to answer some private
end of your own. To _hang it on with_ a woman, is to form a temporary
connexion with her; to cohabit or keep company with her without marriage.
HANK, a bull-bait, or bullock-hunt.
HANK, to have a person _at a good hank_, is to have made any contract
with him very advantageous to yourself; or to be able from some prior
cause to command or use him just as you please; to have the benefit of
his purse or other services, in fact, upon your own terms.
HANK, a spell or cessation from any work or duty, on the score of
indisposition, or some other pretence.
HIGH-TOBY, the _game_ of highway robbery, that is, exclusively on
horseback.
HIGH-TOBY-GLOAK, a highwayman.
HIS-NABS, him, or himself; a term used by way of emphasis, when speaking
of a third person.
HOBBLED, taken up, or in custody; to _hobble_ a _plant_, is to _spring_
it. _See_ PLANT.
HOG, a shilling; five, ten, or more shillings, are called five, ten, or
more _hog_.
HOIST, the _game_ of shop-lifting is called _the hoist_; a person expert
at this practice is said to be _a good hoist_.
HOLE. _See_ GARDEN.
HOPPER-DOCKERS, shoes.
HORNEY, a constable.
HOXTER, an inside coat-pocket.
I
IN IT, to let another partake of any benefit or acquisition you have
acquired by robbery or otherwise, is called _putting_ him _in it_: a
_family-man_ who is accidentally witness to a robbery, _&c._, effected by
one or more others, will say to the latter, Mind, I’m _in it_; which is
generally acceded to, being the established custom; but there seems more
of courtesy than right in this practice.
IN TOWN, flush of money; _breeched_.
J
JACOB, a ladder; a simple half-witted person.
JACK, a post-chaise.
JACK-BOY, a postillion.
JACKET, to _jacket_ a person, or _clap a jacket_ on him, is nearly
synonymous with _bridging_ him. _See_ BRIDGE. But this term is more
properly applied to removing a man by underhand and vile means from any
birth or situation he enjoys, commonly with a view to supplant him;
therefore, when a person, is supposed to have fallen a victim to such
infamous machinations, it is said to have been a _jacketting concern_.
JASEY, a wig.
JEMMY, or JAMES, an iron-crow.
JERRY, a fog or mist.
JERVIS, a coachman.
JERVIS’S UPPER BENJAMIN, a box, or coachman’s great coat.
JIGGER, a door.
JOB, any concerted robbery, which is to be executed at a certain time, is
spoken of by the parties as _the job_, or having _a job_ to do at such a
place; and in this case as regular preparations are made, and as great
debates held, as about any legal business undertaken by the industrious
part of the community.
JOGUE, a shilling; _five jogue_ is five shillings, and so on, to any
other number.
JOSKIN, a country-bumbkin.
JUDGE, a _family-man_, whose talents and experience have rendered him a
complete adept in his profession, and who acts with a systematic prudence
on all occasions, is allowed to be, and called by his friends, a fine
_judge_.
JUDGEMENT, prudence; economy in acting; abilities, (the result of long
experience,) for executing the most intricate and hazardous projects;
any thing accomplished in a masterly manner, is, therefore, said to have
been done with _judgement_; on concerting or planning any operations, one
party will say, I think it would be _judgement_ to do so and so, meaning
expedient to do it.
JUDY, a _blowen_; but sometimes used when speaking familiarly of any
woman.
JUGELOW, a dog.
JUMP, a window on the ground-floor.
JUMP, a _game_, or species of robbery effected by getting into a house
through any of the lower windows. To _jump_ a place, is to rob it upon
the _jump_. A man convicted for this offence, is said to be _done_ for _a
jump_.
K
KELP, a hat; to _kelp_ a person, is to move your hat to him.
KEMESA, a shirt.
KEN, a house; often joined to other descriptive terms, as, _flash-ken_, a
_bawdy-ken_, _&c._
KENT, a coloured pocket-handkerchief of cotton or linen.
KICK, a sixpence, when speaking of compound sums only, as, _three and a
kick_, is three and sixpence, _&c._
KICKSEYS, breeches; speaking of a purse, _&c._, taken from the breeches
pocket, they say, it was _got from the kickseys_, there being no cant
term for the breeches pocket. To _turn out_ a man’s _kickseys_, means
to pick the pockets of them, in which operation it is necessary to turn
those pockets inside out, in order to get at the contents.
KID, a child of either sex, but particularly applied to a boy who
commences thief at an early age; and when by his dexterity he has become
famous, he is called by his acquaintances _the kid_ so and so, mentioning
his sirname.
KIDDY, a thief of the lower order, who, when he is _breeched_, by a
course of successful depredation, dresses in the extreme of vulgar
gentility, and affects a knowingness in his air and conversation, which
renders him in reality an object of ridicule; such a one is pronounced by
his associates of the same class, a _flash-kiddy_, or a _rolling-kiddy_.
_My kiddy_ is a familiar term used by these gentry in addressing each
other.
KID-RIG, meeting a child in the streets who is going on some errand, and
by a false, but well fabricated story, obtaining any parcel or goods
it may be carrying; this _game_ is practised by two persons, who have
each their respective parts to play, and even porters and other grown
persons are sometimes defrauded of their load by this artifice. To _kid_
a person _out of_ any thing, is to obtain it from him by means of a
false pretence, as that you were sent by a third person, _&c._, such
impositions are all generally termed _the kid-rig_.
KINCHEN, a young lad.
KIRK, a church or chapel.
KNAP, to steal; take; receive; accept; according to the sense it is
used in; as, to _knap a clout_, is to steal a pocket-handkerchief; to
_knap the swag_ from your _pall_, is to take from him the property he
has just stolen, for the purpose of carrying it; to _knap seven or
fourteen pen’worth_, is to receive sentence of transportation for seven
or fourteen years; to _knap the glim_, is to catch the venereal disease;
in making a bargain, to _knap_ the sum offered you, is to accept it;
speaking of a woman supposed to be pregnant, it is common to say, I
believe _Mr. Knap_ is _concerned_, meaning that she has _knap’d_.
KNAPPING A JACOB FROM A DANNA-DRAG. This is a curious species of robbery,
or rather borrowing without leave, for the purpose of robbery; it
signifies taking away the short ladder from a nightman’s cart, while the
men are gone into a house, the privy of which they are employed emptying,
in order to effect an ascent to a one-pair-of-stairs window, to scale a
garden-wall, _&c._, after which the ladder, of course, is left to rejoin
its master as it.
KNIFE IT. _See_ CHEESE IT.
KNUCK, KNUCKLER, or KNUCKLING-COVE, a pickpocket, or person professed in
the _knuckling_ art.
KNUCKLE, to pick pockets, but chiefly applied to the more refined
branch of that art, namely, extracting notes, loose cash, _&c._, from
the waistcoat or breeches pockets, whereas _buzzing_ is used in a more
general sense. _See_ BUZ.
L
LAG, to transport for seven years or upwards.
LAG, a convict under sentence of transportation.
LAG, to make water. To _lag_ spirits, wine, _&c._, is to adulterate them
with water.
LAGGER, a sailor.
LAGGING-DUES, speaking of a person likely to be transported, they say
_lagging dues_ will be _concerned_.
LAGGING MATTER, any species of crime for which a person is liable on
conviction to be transported.
LAG SHIP, a transport chartered by Government for the conveyance of
convicts to New South Wales; also, a hulk, or floating prison, in which,
to the disgrace of humanity, many hundreds of these unhappy persons are
confined, and suffer every complication of human misery.
LAMPS, the eyes; to have _queer lamps_, is to have sore or weak eyes.
LARK, fun or sport of any kind, to create which is termed _knocking up a
lark_.
LAWN, a white cambric handkerchief.
LEARY, synonymous with _fly_.
LEARY-COVE. _See_ FLY.
LEATHER-LANE, any thing paltry, or of a bad quality, is called _a
Leather-lane concern_.
LETTER Q, the _mace_, or _billiard-slum_, is sometimes called _going upon
the Q_, or _the letter Q_, alluding to an instrument used in playing
billiards.
LETTER-RACKET, going about to respectable houses with a letter or
statement, detailing some case of extreme distress, as shipwreck,
sufferings by fire, _&c._; by which many benevolent, but credulous,
persons, are induced to relieve the fictitious wants of the impostors,
who are generally men, or women, of genteel address, and unfold a
plausible tale of affliction.
LEVANTING, or RUNNING A LEVANT, an expedient practised by broken
gamesters to retrieve themselves, and signifies to bet money at a race,
cock-match, _&c._, without a shilling in their pocket to answer the
event. The punishment for this conduct in a public cockpit is rather
curious; the offender is placed in a large basket, kept on purpose, which
is then hoisted up to the ceiling or roof of the building, and the party
is there kept suspended, and exposed to derision during the pleasure of
the company.
LIFE, by this term is meant the various cheats and deceptions practised
by the designing part of mankind; a person well versed in this kind of
knowledge, is said to be one that knows _life_; in other words, that
knows the world. This is what Goldsmith defines to be a knowledge of
human nature on the wrong side.
LIGHT, to inform of any robbery, _&c._, which has been some time executed
and concealed, is termed _bringing the affair to light_; to produce
any thing to view, or to give up any stolen property for the sake of a
reward, to quash a prosecution, is also called _bringing_ it _to light_.
A thief, urging his associates to a division of any booty they have
lately made, will desire them to _bring the swag to light_.
LILL, a pocket-book.
LINE, to _get_ a person _in a line_, or _in a string_, is to engage
them in a conversation, while your confederate is robbing their person
or premises; to banter or jest with a man by amusing him with false
assurances or professions, is also termed _stringing_ him, or _getting_
him _in tow_; to keep any body in suspense on any subject without coming
to a decision, is called _keeping_ him _in tow_, _in a string_, or _in a
tow-line_. To _cut the line_, or _the string_, is to put an end to the
suspense in which you have kept any one, by telling him the plain truth,
coming to a final decision, _&c._ A person, who has been telling another
a long story, until he is tired, or conceives his auditor has been all
the while secretly laughing at him, will say at last, I’ve just _dropped
down_, you’ve had me in a fine _string_, I think it’s time to _cut_ it.
On the other hand, the auditor, having the same opinion on his part,
would say, Come, I believe you want to _string_ me all night, I wish
you’d _cut it_; meaning, conclude the story at once.
LOB, a till, or money-drawer. To have _made a good lob_, is synonymous
with _making a good speak_.
LOCK-UP-CHOVEY, a covered cart, in which travelling hawkers convey their
goods about the country, and which is secured by a door, lock, and key.
LODGING-SLUM, the practice of hiring ready-furnished lodgings, and
stripping them of the plate, linen, and other valuables.
LOOK AT A PLACE, when a plan is laid for robbing a house, _&c._, _upon
the crack_, or _the screw_, the parties will go a short time before the
execution, to examine the premises, and make any necessary observations;
this is called _looking at the place_.
LOUR, money.
LUMBER, a room.
LUMBER, to _lumber_ any property, is to deposit it at a pawnbroker’s, or
elsewhere for present security; to retire to any house or private place,
for a short time, is called _lumbering yourself_. A man apprehended, and
sent to gaol, is said to be _lumbered_, to be _in lumber_, or to be _in
Lombard-street_.
LUSH, to drink; speaking of a person who is drunk, they say, _Alderman
Lushington is concerned_, or, he has been _voting for the Alderman_.
LUSH, beer or liquor of any kind.
LUSH-CRIB, or LUSH-KEN, a public-house, or gin-shop.
LUSH, or LUSHY, drunk, intoxicated.
LUSHY-COVE, a drunken man.
M
MACE, to _mace_ a shopkeeper, or _give it to_ him _upon the mace_, is
to obtain goods on credit, which you never mean to pay for; to run up
a score with the same intention, or to spunge upon your acquaintance,
by continually begging or borrowing from them, is termed _maceing_, or
_striking the mace_.
MACE-GLOAK, a man who lives _upon the mace_.
MAG, a halfpenny.
MANCHESTER, the tongue.
MANG, to speak or talk.
MAULEY, the hand.
MAX, gin or hollands.
MILESTONE, a country booby.
MILL, to fight. To _mill_ a person is to beat him.
MILL A GLAZE, to break a window.
MILL-DOLL, an obsolete name for Bridewell house of correction, in
Bridge-street, Blackfriars, London.
MILLING-COVE, a pugilist.
MITTS, gloves.
MITTENS, the hands.
MIZZLE, to quit or go away from any place or company; to elope, or run
away.
MOLLISHER, a woman.
MONKEY, a padlock.
MONKERY, the country parts of England are called _The Monkery_.
MONTRA, a watch.
MORNING-SNEAK, going out early to rob private houses or shops by slipping
in at the door unperceived, while the servant or shopman is employed in
cleaning the steps, windows, _&c._
MOTT, a _blowen_, or woman of the town.
MOUNT, to swear, or give evidence falsely for the sake of a gratuity. To
_mount for_ a person is also synonymous with _bonnetting for_ him.
MOUNTER, a man who lives by _mounting_, or perjury, who is always ready
for a guinea or two to swear whatever is proposed to him.
MOUTH, a foolish silly person; a man who does a very imprudent act, is
said to be _a rank mouth_.
MOVE, any action or operation in life; the secret spring by which any
project is conducted, as, There is _move_ in that business which you are
not _down to_. To be _flash to every move upon the board_, is to have a
general knowledge of the world, and all its numerous deceptions.
MR. KNAP. _See_ KNAP.
MR. NASH. _See_ NASH.
MR. PALMER. _See_ PALM.
MR. PULLEN. _See_ PULL or PULL UP.
MUFF, an epithet synonymous with _mouth_.
MUG, the face; a _queer mug_ is an ugly face.
MURPHY’s COUNTENANCE, a pig’s face.
MYNABS, me, myself.
N
NAIL, to _nail_ a person, is to over-reach, or take advantage of him in
the course of trade or traffic; also, to rob, or steal; as, I _nail’d_
him _for_ (or _of_) his _reader_, I robbed him of his pocket-book; I
_nail’d the swell’s montra in the push_, I picked the gentleman’s pocket
of his watch in the crowd, _&c._ A person of an over-reaching, imposing
disposition, is called a _nail_, a _dead nail_, a _nailing_ rascal, a
_rank needle_, or a _needle pointer_.
NANCY, the posteriors.
NAP the BIB, to cry; as, the _mollisher nap’d_ her _bib_, the woman fell
a crying.
NASH, to go away from, or quit, any place or company; speaking of a
person who is gone, they say, he is _nash’d_, or _Mr. Nash is concerned_.
NE-DASH, nothing.
NEEDLE, (_see_ NAIL) to _needle_ a person, is to haggle with him in
making a bargain, and, if possible, take advantage of him, though in the
most trifling article.
NEEDLE-POINTER. _See_ NAIL.
NEEDY-MIZZLER, a poor ragged object of either sex; a shabby-looking
person.
NIB, a gentleman, or person of the higher order. People who affect
gentility or consequence, without any real pretensions thereto, are from
hence vulgarly called _Half-nibs_ or _Half-swells_; and, indeed, persons
of low minds, who conceive money to be the only criterion of gentility,
are too apt to stigmatize with the before-mentioned epithets any man,
who, however well-bred and educated, may be reduced to a shabby external,
but still preserves a sense of decorum in his manners, and avoids
associating with the vagabonds among whom he may unfortunately be doomed
to exist.
NIBB’D, taken in custody.
NIBBLE, to pilfer trifling articles, not having spirit to touch any thing
of consequence.
NIBBLER, a pilferer or petty thief.
NIX, or NIX MY DOLL, nothing.
NOB IT, to act with such prudence and knowledge of the world, as to
prosper and become independent without any labour or bodily exertion;
this is termed _nobbing it_, or _fighting nob work_. To effect any
purpose, or obtain any thing, by means of good judgment and sagacity, is
called _nobbing it for_ such a thing.
NOB-PITCHERS, a general term for those sharpers who attend at fairs,
races, _&c._, to take in the _flats_ at prick in the garter, cups and
balls, and other similar artifices.
NO DOWN. _See_ FAKE AWAY, _&c._
NOSE, a thief who becomes an evidence against his accomplices; also,
a person who seeing one or more suspicious characters in the streets,
makes a point of watching them in order to frustrate any attempt they
may make, or to cause their apprehension; also, a spy or informer of any
description.
NOSE, to _nose_, is to pry into any person’s proceedings in an
impertinent manner. To _nose upon_ any one, is to tell of any thing he
has said or done with a view to injure him, or to benefit yourself.
NULLING-COVE, a pugilist.
NUT, to please a person by any little act of assiduity, by a present, or
by flattering words, is called _nutting_ him; as the present, _&c._, by
which you have gratified them, is termed a _nut_.
NUTS UPON IT, to be very much pleased or gratified with any object,
adventure, or overture; so a person who conceives a strong inclination
for another of the opposite sex, is said to be quite _nutty_, or _nuts
upon_ him or her.
NUTS UPON YOURSELF, a man who is much gratified with any bargain he
has made, narrow escape he has had, or other event in which he is
interested, will express his self-satisfaction or gladness by declaring
that he is, or was, quite _nuts upon himself_.
O
OFFICE, a hint, signal, or private intimation, from one person to
another; this is termed _officeing_ him, or _giving_ him _the office_; to
_take the office_, is to understand and profit by the hint given.
OLD LAG, a man or woman who has been transported, is so called on
returning home, by those who are acquainted with the secret. _See_ LAG.
OLIVER, the moon.
OLIVER IS IN TOWN, a phrase signifying that the nights are moonlight, and
consequently unfavourable to depredation.
OLIVER’S UP, the moon has risen.
OLIVER WHIDDLES, the moon shines.
ONE UPON YOUR TAW, a person who takes offence at the conduct of another,
or conceives himself injured by the latter, will say, never mind, I’ll be
_one upon your taw_; or, I’ll be _a marble on your taw_; meaning, I’ll be
even with you some time.
ONION, a watch-seal, a _bunch of onions_, is several seals worn upon one
ring.
ORDER-RACKET, obtaining goods from a shopkeeper, by means of a forged
order or false pretence.
OUT-AND-OUT, quite; completely; effectually. _See_ SERVE and FAKE.
OUT-AND-OUTER, a person of a resolute determined spirit, who pursues his
object without regard to danger or difficulties; also an incorrigible
depredator, who will rob friend or stranger indiscriminately, being
possessed of neither honour nor principle.
OUT OF FLASH. _See_ FLASH.
OUT OF THE WAY, a thief who knows that he is sought after by the _traps_
on some information, and consequently goes out of town, or otherwise
conceals himself, is said by his _palls_ to be _out of the way for_ so
and so, naming the particular offence he stands charged with. _See_
WANTED.
OUT OF TWIG, to _put_ yourself _out of twig_, is to disguise your dress
and appearance, to avoid being recognised, on some particular account; a
man reduced by poverty to wear a shabby dress is said by his acquaintance
to be _out of twig_; to _put_ any article _out of twig_, as a stolen
coat, cloak, _&c._, is to alter it in such a way that it cannot be
identified.
P
PALL, a partner; companion; associate; or accomplice.
PALM, to bribe, or give money, for the attainment of any object or
indulgence; and it is then said that the party who receives it is
_palmed_, or that _Mr. Palmer is concerned_.
PALMING-RACKET, secreting money in the palm of the hand, a _game_ at
which some are very expert.
PANNY, a house.
PANNUM, bread.
PARK. _See_ BUSHY-PARK.
PATTER, to talk; as, _He patters good flash_, _&c._
PATTER’D, tried in a court of justice; a man who has undergone this
ordeal, is said to have _stood the patter_.
PEAR-MAKING, inlisting in various regiments, taking the bounty, and then
deserting.
PENSIONER, a mean-spirited fellow who lives with a woman of the town,
and suffers her to maintain him in idleness in the character of her
_fancy-man_.
PETER, a parcel or bundle, whether large or small; but most properly it
signifies a trunk or box.
PETER-HUNTING, traversing the streets or roads for the purpose of cutting
away trunks, _&c._, from travelling carriages; persons who follow this
_game_, are from thence called _peter-hunters_, whereas _the drag_ more
properly applies to robbing carts or waggons.
PETER-HUNTING-JEMMY, a small iron crow, particularly adapted for breaking
the patent chain, with which the luggage is of late years secured to
gentlemen’s carriages; and which, being of steel, case-hardened, is
fallaciously supposed to be proof against the attempts of thieves.
PETER-THAT, synonymous with _Stow-that_.
PICK-UP, to accost, or enter into conversation with any person, for the
purpose of executing some design upon his personal property; thus, among
gamblers, it is called _picking up a flat_, or _a mouth_: sharpers, who
are daily on the look-out for some unwary countryman or stranger, use
the same phrase; and among _drop-coves_, and others who act in concert,
this task is allotted to one of the gang, duly qualified, who is thence
termed _the picker-up_; and he having performed his part, his associates
proceed systematically in _cleaning out the flat_. To _pick up a cull_,
is a term used by _blowens_ in their vocation of street-walking. To
_pick_ a person _up_, in a general sense, is to impose upon, or take
advantage of him, in a contract or bargain.
PIGS, or GRUNTERS, police runners.
PINS, the legs.
PINCH, to purloin small articles of value in the shops of jewellers,
_&c._, while pretending to purchase or bespeak some trinket. This _game_
is called _the pinch_—I _pinch’d_ him _for_ a _fawney_, signifies I
purloined a ring from him; Did you _pinch_ any thing in that _crib_? did
you succeed in secreting any thing in that shop? This _game_ is a branch
of shop-lifting; but when _the hoist_ is spoken of, it commonly applies
to stealing articles of a larger, though less valuable, kind, as pieces
of muslin, or silk handkerchiefs, printed cotton, _&c._ _See_ HOIST.
PINCH-GLOAK, a man who _works upon the pinch_.
PIPES, boots.
PIT, the bosom pocket in a coat.
PIT-MAN, a pocket-book worn in the bosom-pocket.
PITCHER. Newgate in London is called by various names, as _the pitcher_,
_the stone pitcher_, _the start_, and _the stone jug_, according to the
humour of the speaker.
PLANT. To hide, or conceal any person or thing, is termed _planting_
him, or it; and any thing hid is called, _the plant_, when alluded
to in conversation; such article is said to be _in plant_; the place
of concealment is sometimes called _the plant_, as, I know of a fine
_plant_; that is, a secure hiding-place. To _spring a plant_, is to find
any thing that has been concealed by another. To _rise the plant_, is
to take up and remove any thing that has been hid, whether by yourself
or another. A person’s money, or valuables, secreted about his house, or
person, is called his _plant_. To _plant upon_ a man, is to set somebody
to watch his motions; also to place any thing purposely in his way, that
he may steal it and be immediately detected.
PLAY ACROSS. What is commonly termed playing booty, that is, purposely
losing the game, or match, in order to take in the _flats_ who have
backed you, (_see_ BRIDGE) while the _sharps_ divide the spoil, in which
you have a share. This sort of treachery extends to boxing, racing, and
every other species of sport, on which bets are laid; sometimes a sham
match is made for the purpose of inducing strangers to bet, which is
decided in such a manner that the latter will inevitably lose. _Across_
signifies generally any collusion or unfair dealing between several
parties.
PLUMMY. Right; very good; as it should be; expressing your approbation of
any act, or event, you will say, _That’s plummy_, or _It’s all plummy_;
meaning it is all right.
POGUE. A bag, (probably a corruption of poke.)
POPS. Pistols; an obsolete term.
POST, or POST THE PONEY. To stake, or lay down the money, as on laying a
bet, or concluding a bargain.
POUNDABLE. Any event which is considered certain or inevitable, is
declared to be _poundable_, as the issue of a game, the success of a bet,
_&c._
POUND IT. To ensure or make a certainty of any thing; thus, a man will
say, I’ll _pound it_ to be so; taken, probably from the custom of laying,
or rather offering ten pounds to a crown at a cock-match, in which case,
if no person takes this extravagant odds, the battle is at an end. This
is termed pounding a cock.
PRAD. A horse.
PRADBACK. Horseback.
PRIG. A thief.
PRIG. To steal; to _go out a-prigging_, is to go a-thieving.
PRIME. In a general sense, synonymous with _plummy_; any thing very good
of its kind, is called _a prime article_. Any thing executed in a stylish
or masterly manner, is said to be done _in prime twig_. _See_ FAKEMENT,
and GAMMON THE TWELVE.
PULL. An important advantage possessed by one party over another; as
in gaming, you may by some slight, unknown to your adversary, or by a
knowledge of the cards, _&c._, have the odds of winning considerably on
your side; you are then said to have a great _pull_. To have the power
of injuring a person, by the knowledge of any thing erroneous in his
conduct, which leaves his character or personal safety at your mercy, is
also termed having _a pull upon him_, that is (to use a vulgar phrase)
that you have him under your thumb. A person speaking of any intricate
affair, or feat of ingenuity, which he cannot comprehend, will say, There
is some _pull_ at the bottom of it, that I’m not _fly to_.
PULL, or PULL UP, to accost; stop; apprehend; or take into custody; as
to pull up a _Jack_, is to stop a post-chaise on the highway. To _pull_
a man, or have him _pulled_, is to cause his apprehension for some
offence; and it is then said, that _Mr. Pullen is concerned_.
PULLED, PULLED UP, or IN PULL. Taken in custody; in confinement.
PUSH, a crowd or concourse of people, either in the streets, or at any
public place of amusement, _&c._, when any particular scene of crowding
is alluded to, they say, _the push_, as _the push_, at the _spell_ doors;
_the push_ at the _stooping-match_, _&c._
PUT DOWN. _See_ DOWN.
PUT FLASH. _See_ FLASH.
PUT FLY. _See_ FLY.
PUT UP, to suggest to another, the means of committing a depredation, or
effecting any other business, is termed, _putting_ him _up to_ it.
PUT UP AFFAIR, any preconcerted plan or scheme to effect a robbery,
_&c._, undertaken at the suggestion of another person, who possessing a
knowledge of the premises, is competent to advise the principal how best
to proceed.
PUTTER UP, the projector or planner of a _put-up affair_, as a servant
in a gentleman’s family, who proposes to a gang of housebreakers the
robbery of his master’s house, and informs them where the plate, _&c._,
is deposited, (instances of which are frequent in London) is termed the
_putter up_, and usually shares equally in the booty with the parties
executing, although the former may lie dormant, and take no part in the
actual commission of the fact.
PUZZLING-STICKS, the triangles to which culprits are tied up, for the
purpose of undergoing flagellation.
Q
Q. _See_ LETTER Q.
QUEER, bad; counterfeit; false; unwell in health.
QUEER, or QUEER-BIT, base money.
QUEER SCREENS, forged Bank-notes.
QUEER IT, to spoil it, which see.
QUEER-BAIL, Persons of no repute, hired to bail a prisoner in any
bailable case; these men are to be had in London for a trifling sum, and
are called _Broomsticks_.
QUID, a guinea.
QUOD, a gaol. To _quod_ a person is to send him to gaol. _In quod_, is in
gaol.
QUOD-COVE, the keeper of a gaol.
QUODDING-DUES. _See_ DUES.
R
RACKET, some particular kinds of fraud and robbery are so termed,
when called by their _flash_ titles, and others _Rig_; as, _the
Letter-racket_, _the Order-racket_; _the Kid-rig_; _the Cat and
Kitten-rig_, _&c._, but all these terms depend upon the fancy of the
speaker. In fact, any _game_ may be termed a _rig_, _racket_, _suit_,
_slum_, _&c._, by prefixing thereto the particular branch of depredation
or fraud in question, many examples of which occur in this work.
RAG, money.
RAG-GORGY, a rich or monied man, but generally used in conversation when
a particular gentleman, or person high in office, is hinted at; instead
of mentioning his name, they say, _the Rag-gorgy_, knowing themselves to
be understood by those they are addressing. _See_ COVE, and SWELL.
RAMP, to rob any person or place by open violence or suddenly snatching
at something and running off with it, as, I _ramp’d_ him of his _montra_;
why did you not _ramp_ his _castor_? _&c._ A man convicted of this
offence, is said to have been _done_ for a _ramp_. This audacious _game_,
is called by _prigs_, _the ramp_, and is nearly similar to the RUSH,
which see.
RANK, complete; absolute, downright, an emphatical manner of describing
persons or characters, as _a rank nose_, _a rank swell_, _&c._ _&c._
RATTLER, a coach.
READER, a pocket-book.
READER-HUNTERS. _See_ DUMMY-HUNTERS.
REGULARS, one’s due share of a booty, _&c._ on a division taking place.
Give me my _regulars_, that is, give me my dividend.
REIGN, the length or continuance of a man’s career in a system of
wickedness, which when he is ultimately _bowled out_, is said to have
been a long, or a short _reign_, according to its duration.
RESURRECTION-COVE, a stealer of dead bodies.
RIBBAND, money in general.
RIDGE, gold, whether in coin or any other shape, as a _ridge-montra_, a
gold watch; a _cly_-full of _ridge_, a pocket full of gold.
RIG. _See_ RACKET.
RINGING, or RINGING-IN, to _ring_ is to exchange; _ringing the changes_,
is a fraud practised by _smashers_, who when they receive good money in
change of a guinea, _&c._, _ring-in_ one or more pieces of base with
great dexterity, and then request the party to change them.
RINGING CASTORS, signifies frequenting churches and other public
assemblies, for the purpose of changing hats, by taking away a good, and
leaving a shabby one in its place; a petty _game_ now seldom practised.
RISE THE PLANT. _See_ PLANT.
ROCK’D, superannuated, forgetful, absent in mind; _old lags_ are commonly
said to be thus affected, probably caused by the sufferings they have
undergone.
ROLLERS, horse and foot patrole, who parade the roads round about London
during the night, for the prevention of robberies.
ROMANY, a gypsy; to _patter romany_, is to talk the gypsy _flash_.
ROOK, a small iron crow.
ROUGH-FAM, or ROUGH-FAMMY, the waistcoat pocket.
ROW IN THE BOAT, to go snacks, or have a share in the benefit arising
from any transaction to which you are privy. To let a person _row_ with
you, is to admit him to a share.
RUFFLES. Handcuffs.
RUGGINS’S, to go to bed, is called going to Ruggins’s.
RUM, good, in opposition to _queer_.
RUMBLE-TUMBLE, a stage-coach.
RUMP’D, flogged or scourged.
RUMPUS, a masquerade.
RUSH, _the rush_, is nearly synonymous with _the ramp_; but the latter
often applies to snatching at a single article, as a silk cloak, for
instance, from a milliner’s shop-door; whereas _a rush_ may signify a
forcible entry by several men into a detached dwelling-house for the
purpose of robbing its owners of their money, _&c._ A sudden and violent
effort to get into any place, or _vice versâ_ to effect your exit, as
from a place of confinement, _&c._, is called _rushing them_, or _giving
it to ’em upon the rush_.
RUSSIAN COFFEE-HOUSE, a name given by some punster of _the family_, to
the Brown Bear public-house in Bow-street, Covent-garden.
S
SACK, a pocket; to _sack_ any thing is to pocket it.
SALT-BOXES, the condemned cells in Newgate are so called.
SALT-BOX-CLY, the outside coat-pocket, with a flap.
SAND, moist sugar.
SAWNEY, bacon.
SCAMP, the _game_ of highway robbery is called _the scamp_. To _scamp_
a person is to rob him on the highway. _Done for a scamp_ signifies
convicted of a highway robbery.
SCAMP, or SCAMPSMAN, a highwayman.
SCHOOL, a party of persons met together for the purpose of gambling.
SCOT, a person of an irritable temper, who is easily put in a passion,
which is often done by the company he is with, to create fun; such a one
is declared to be a fine _scot_. This diversion is called _getting_ him
_out_, or _getting_ him _round the corner_, from these terms being used
by _bull-hankers_, with whom also a _scot_ is a bullock of a particular
breed, which affords superior diversion when hunted.
SCOTTISH, fiery, irritable, easily provoked.
SCOUT, a watchman.
SCOUT-KEN, a watch-house.
SCRAG’D, hang’d.
SCRAGGING-POST, the gallows.
SCREEN, a bank-note.
SCREEVE, a letter, or written paper.
SCREW, a skeleton or false key. To _screw_ a place is to enter it by
false keys; this _game_ is called _the screw_. Any robbery effected by
such means is termed _a screw_.
SCREWSMAN, a thief who _goes out a screwing_.
SCURF’D, taken in custody.
SEEDY, poor, ragged in appearance, shabby.
SELL, to _sell_ a man is to betray him, by giving information against
him, or otherwise to injure him clandestinely for the sake of interest,
nearly the same as _bridgeing_ him. (_See_ BRIDGE.) A man who falls a
victim to any treachery of this kind, is said to have been _sold like a
bullock in Smithfield_.
SERVE, to _serve_ a person, or place, is to rob them; as, I _serv’d_
him _for_ his _thimble_, I rob’d him of his watch; that _crib_ has been
_served_ before, that shop has been already robbed, _&c._ To serve a man,
also sometimes signifies to maim, wound, or do him some bodily hurt; and
to _serve_ him _out and out_, is to kill him.
SHAKE, to steal, or rob; as, I _shook_ a chest of _slop_, I stole a chest
of tea; I’ve been _shook_ of my _skin_, I have been robbed of my purse. A
thief, whose _pall_ has been into any place for the purpose of robbery,
will say on his coming out, Well, is it all right, have you _shook_?
meaning, did you succeed in getting any thing? When two persons rob in
company, it is generally the province, or part, of one to _shake_, (that
is, obtain _the swagg_), and the other to carry, (that is, bear it to a
place of safety).
SHALLOW, a hat.
SHAN, counterfeit money in general.
SHARP, a gambler, or person, professed in all the arts of play; a
cheat, or swindler; any _cross-cove_, in general, is called _a sharp_,
in opposition to _a flat_, or _square-cove_; but this is only in a
comparative sense in the course of conversation.
SHARPING, swindling and cheating in all their various forms, including
the arts of fraud at play.
SHIFTER, an alarm, or intimation, given by a thief to his _pall_,
signifying that there is _a down_, or that some one is approaching, and
that he had, therefore, better desist from what he is about.
SHINER, a looking-glass.
SHOOK, synonymous with _rock’d_.
SHOVE-UP, nothing.
SHUTTER-RACKET, the practice of robbing houses, or shops, by boring a
hole in the window shutter, and taking out a pane of glass.
SINGLE-HANDED, robbery by yourself, without a _pall_.
SIR SYDNEY, a clasp knife.
SKIN, a purse, or money bag.
SKIN, to strip a man of all his money at play, is termed _skinning_ him.
SLANG, a watch chain, a chain of any kind; also a warrant, license to
travel, or other official instrument.
SLANG, to defraud a person of any part of his due, is called _slanging_
him; also to cheat by false weights or measures, or other unfair means.
SLANG WEIGHTS, or MEASURES, unjust, or defective ones.
SLANGING-DUES, when a man suspects that he has been curtailed, or
cheated, of any portion of his just right, he will say, there has been
_slanging-dues concerned_.
SLANG’D, fettered.
SLANGS, fetters, or chains of any kind used about prisoners;
_body-slangs_ are body-irons used on some occasions.
SLAVEY, a servant of either sex.
SLIP, the slash pocket in the skirt of a coat behind.
SLOP, tea.
SLOP-FEEDER, a tea-spoon.
SLOUR, to lock, secure, or fasten; to _slour up_ is also to button up; as
one’s coat, pocket, _&c._
SLOUR’D, or SLOUR’D UP, locked, fastened, buttoned, _&c._
SLUM, a room.
SLUM. _See_ RACKET _and_ LODGING-SLUM.
SLY. Any business transacted, or intimation given, privately, or under
the rose, is said to be _done upon the sly_.
SMASHER, a man or woman who follows the _game_ of _smashing_.
SMASHING, uttering counterfeit money; _smashing_ of _queer screens_,
signifies uttering forged bank notes. To _smash_ a guinea, note, or other
money, is, in a common sense, to procure, or give, change for it.
SMISH, a shirt.
SMUT, a copper boiler, or furnace.
SNEAK. _The sneak_ is the practice of robbing houses or shops, by
slipping in unperceived, and taking whatever may lay most convenient;
this is commonly the first branch of thieving, in which young boys are
initiated, who, from their size and activity, appear well adapted for it.
To _sneak_ a place, is to rob it _upon the sneak_. A _sneak_ is a robbery
effected in the above manner. One or more prisoners having escaped from
their confinement by stealth, without using any violence, or alarming
their keepers, are said to have _sneak’d ’em_, or _given it to ’em upon
the sneak_. _See_ RUSH.
SNEAKSMAN, a man or boy _who goes upon the sneak_.
SNEEZER, or SNEEZING-COFER, a snuff-box.
SNITCH; to impeach, or betray your accomplices, is termed _snitching
upon_ them. A person who becomes king’s evidence on such an occasion, is
said to have turned _snitch_; an informer, or tale-bearer, in general, is
called a _snitch_, or a _snitching_ rascal, in which sense _snitching_ is
synonymous with _nosing_, or _coming it_.
SNIPES, scissors.
SNIV, an expression synonymous with _bender_, and used in the same manner.
SNOW, clean linen from the washerwoman’s hands, whether it be wet or dry,
is termed _snow_.
SNOOZE, to sleep; _a snooze_ sometimes means a lodging; as, Where can I
get a _snooze_ for this _darky_ instead of saying a bed.
SNUFFING, going into a shop on some pretence, watching an opportunity to
throw a handful of snuff in the eyes of the shopkeeper, and then running
off with any valuable article you can lay hands on; this is called
_snuffing_ him, or _giving it to him upon the snuff racket_.
SOLD. _See_ SELL.
SOUND, to _sound_ a person, means generally to draw from him, in an
artful manner, any particulars you want to be acquainted with; as, to
_sound_ a _kid_, porter, _&c._ is to pump out of him the purport of his
errand, the contents of his bundle, or load, _&c._, that your _pall_ may
know how to accost him, in order to _draw the swag_. _See_ DRAW _and_
KID-RIG. To _sound a cly_, is to touch a person’s pocket gently on the
outside, in order to ascertain the nature of its contents.
SPANGLE, a seven-shilling piece.
SPANK, to _spank a glaze_, is to break a pane of glass in a shop window,
and make a sudden snatch at some article of value within your reach,
having previously tied the shop-door with a strong cord on the outside,
so as to prevent the shopman from getting out, till you have had full
time to escape with your booty; to _spank_ a place, is to rob it _upon
the spank_; _a spank_ is a robbery effected by the above means.
SPEAK, committing any robbery, is called _making a speak_; and if it has
been productive, you are said to have _made a rum speak_.
SPEAK TO, to _speak to_ a person or place is to rob them, and to _speak
to_ any article, is to steal it; as, I _spoke to the cove for his
montra_; I robb’d the gentleman of his watch. I _spoke to_ that _crib
for_ all the _wedge_; I robb’d that house of all the plate. I _spoke to_
a chest of _slop_; I stole a chest of tea. A thief will say to his _pall_
who has been attempting any robbery, “Well, did you _speak_? or, have you
_spoke_?” meaning, did you get any thing?
SPELL, the play-house.
SPICE, _the spice_ is the _game_ of footpad robbery; describing an
exploit of this nature; a rogue will say, I _spiced_ a _swell of_ so
much, naming the booty obtained. _A spice_ is a footpad robbery.
SPICE GLOAK, a footpad robber.
SPIN A YARN. _See_ YARN.
SPLIT, to _split upon_ a person, or _turn split_, is synonymous with
_nosing_, _snitching_, or _turning nose_. To _split_ signifies generally
to tell of any thing you hear, or see transacted.
SPOIL IT, to throw some obstacle in the way of any project or
undertaking, so as to cause its failure, is termed _spoiling it_. In
like manner, to prevent another person from succeeding in his object,
either by a wilful obstruction, or by some act of imprudence on your
part, subjects you to the charge of having _spoiled him_. Speaking of
some particular species of fraud or robbery, which after a long series
of success, is now become stale or impracticable from the public being
guarded against it, _the family_ will say, that _game_ is _spoiled_ at
last. So having attempted the robbery of any particular house or shop,
and by miscarrying caused such an alarm as to render a second attempt
dangerous or impolitic, they will say, that place is _spoil’d_, it is
useless to _try it on_ any more.
SPOKE TO, alluding to any person or place that has been already robbed,
they say, that place, or person, has been _spoke to_ before. A _family
man_ on discovering that he has been robbed, will exclaim, I have been
_spoke to_; and perhaps will add, _for_ such a thing, naming what he has
lost. _Spoke to upon the screw_, _crack_, _sneak_, _hoist_, _buz_, _&c._
_&c._, means robbed _upon_ either of those particular _suits_ or _games_.
Upon any great misfortune befalling a man, as being apprehended on a
very serious charge, receiving a wound supposed to be mortal, _&c._, his
friends will say, Poor fellow, I believe he’s _spoke to_, meaning it is
all over with him.
SPOONY, foolish, half-witted, nonsensical; a man who has been drinking
till he becomes disgusting by his very ridiculous behaviour, is said to
be _spoony_ drunk; and, from hence it is usual to call a very prating
shallow fellow, _a rank spoon_.
SPOUT, to pledge any property at a pawnbroker’s is termed _spouting_ it,
or _shoving_ it _up the spout_.
SPREAD, butter.
SPRING THE PLANT. _See_ PLANT.
SQUARE, all fair, upright, and honest practices, are called _the square_,
in opposition to _the cross_. Any thing you have bought, or acquired
honestly, is termed _a square article_; and any transaction which is
fairly and equitably conducted, is said to be _a square concern_. A
tradesman or other person who is considered by the world to be an honest
man, and who is unacquainted with _family people_, and their system of
operations, is by the latter emphatically styled _a square cove_, whereas
an old thief who has acquired an independence, and now confines himself
to _square_ practices, is still called by his old _palls_ a _flash cove_,
who has _tyed up prigging_. _See_ CROSS and FLAT. In making a bargain or
contract, any overture considered to be really fair and reasonable, is
declared to be _a square thing_, or to be _upon the square_. To be _upon
the square_ with any person, is to have mutually settled all accompts
between you both up to that moment. To threaten another that you will be
_upon the square with him_ some time, signifies that you’ll be even with
him for some supposed injury, _&c._
SQUARE-COVE. _See_ SQUARE.
SQUARE-CRIB, a respectable house, of good repute, whose inmates, their
mode of life and connexions, are all perfectly _on the square_. _See_
CROSS-CRIB.
SQUEEZE, the neck.
STAG, to _turn stag_ was formerly synonymous with _turning nose_, or
_snitching_, but the phrase is now exploded.
STAG, to _stag_ any object or person, is to look at, observe, or take
notice of them.
STAINES, a man who is in pecuniary distress is said to be _at Staines_,
or _at the Bush_, alluding to the Bush inn at that town. _See_ BUSH’D.
STAKE, a booty acquired by robbery, or a sum of money won at play, is
called _a stake_, and if considerable, _a prime stake_, or a _heavy
stake_. A person alluding to any thing difficult to be procured, or which
he obtains as a great favour, and is therefore comparatively invaluable,
would say, I consider it _a stake_ to get it at all; a valuable or
acceptable acquisition of any kind, is emphatically called _a stake_,
meaning a great prize.
STALL, a violent pressure in a crowd, made by pickpockets for the more
easily effecting their depredatory purposes; this is called _making a rum
stall in the push_.
STALL OFF, a term variously applied; generally it means a pretence,
excuse, or prevarication—as a person charged with any fault, entering
into some plausible story, to excuse himself, his hearers or accusers
would say, O yes, that’s a good _stall off_, or, Aye, aye, _stall it off_
that way if you can. To extricate a person from any dilemma, or save him
from disgrace, is called _stalling_ him _off_; as an accomplice of your’s
being detected in a robbery, _&c._, and about to be given up to justice,
you will step up as a stranger, interfere in his behalf, and either by
vouching for his innocence, recommending lenity, or some other artifice,
persuade his accusers to forego their intention, and let the prisoner
escape; you will then boast of having _stalled him off in prime twig_. To
avoid or escape any impending evil or punishment by means of artifice,
submission, bribe, or otherwise, is also called _stalling_ it _off_. A
man walking the streets, and passing a particular shop, or encountering a
certain person, which or whom he has reasons for wishing to avoid, will
say to any friend who may be with him, I wish you’d _stall_ me _off from_
that _crib_, (or _from_ that _cove_, as the case may be) meaning, walk in
such a way as to cover or obscure me from notice, until we are past the
shop or person in question.
STALL UP. To _stall_ a person up, (a term used by pickpockets,) is to
surround him in a crowd, or violent pressure, and even sometimes in the
open street, while walking along, and by violence force his arms up, and
keep them in that position while others of the gang rifle his pockets
at pleasure, _the cove_ being unable to help or defend himself; this is
what the newspapers denominate hustling, and is universally practised
at the doors of public theatres, at boxing matches, ship-launches, and
other places where the general anxiety of all ranks, either to push
forward, or to obtain a view of the scene before them, forms a pretext
for jostling, and every other advantage which the strength or numbers
of one party gives them over a weaker one, or a single person. It is
not unusual for the _buz-coves_, on particular occasions, to procure a
formidable squad of stout fellows of the lower class, who, though not
expert at _knuckling_, render essential service by violently pushing and
squeezing in the crowd, and, in the confusion excited by this conduct,
the unconcerned _prigs_ reap a plentiful harvest, and the _stallers up_
are gratified with such part of the gains acquired, as the liberality
of the _knuckling_ gentlemen may prompt them to bestow. This _coup de
guêrre_ is termed _making a regular stall_ at such a place, naming the
scene of their operations. _See_ STALL.
STAMPS, shoes.
STAND THE PATTER. _See_ PATTER’D.
STAR. _The star_ is a _game_ chiefly practised by young boys, often
under ten years of age, although the offence is capital. It consists of
cutting a pane of glass in a shop-window, by a peculiar operation called
_starring the glaze_, which is performed very effectually by a common
penknife; the depredators then take out such articles of value as lie
within reach of their arm, which if they are not interrupted, sometimes
includes half the contents of the window. A person convicted of this
offence is said to have been _done for a star_.
START. _See_ PITCHER.
STASH. To _stash_ any practice, habit, or proceeding, signifies to put
an end to, relinquish, or quash the same; thus, a thief determined to
leave off his vicious courses will declare that he means to _stash_ (or
_stow_) _prigging_. A man in custody for felony, will endeavour, by
offering money, or other means, to induce his prosecutor’s forbearance,
and compromise the matter, so as to obtain his liberation; this is called
_stashing the business_. To _stash_ drinking, card-playing, or any
other employment you may be engaged in, for the time present, signifies
to _stow_ it, _knife_ it, _cheese_ it, or _cut_ it, which are all
synonymous, that is, to desist or leave off. _See_ WANTED.
STASH IT. _See_ STOW IT, which has the same meaning.
STAUNCH, a resolute faithful associate, in whom one may place implicit
confidence, is said by his _palls_ to be a _staunch_ cove.
STEAMER, a tobacco-pipe.
STEVEN, money.
STICK, a pistol.
STICKS, household furniture.
STING, to rob or defraud a person or place is called _stinging_ them, as,
that _cove_ is too _fly_; he has been _stung_ before; meaning that man is
upon his guard; he has already been trick’d.
STINK. When any robbery of moment has been committed, which causes much
alarm, or of which much is said in the daily papers, the _family people_
will say, there is a great _stink_ about it. _See_ WANTED.
STONE-JUG; STONE-PITCHER. _See_ PITCHER.
STOOP, the pillory is called _the stoop_; to be _stoop’d_, is to be set
on the pillory.
STOOPING-MATCH, the exhibition of one or more persons on the pillory.
_See_ PUSH.
STOW, to _stow_ any business, employment, or mode of life, is the same as
to _stash_ it, _&c._ _See_ STASH.
STOW, STOW IT; or STOW FAKING, an intimation from a thief to his _pall_,
to desist from what he is about, on the occasion of some alarm, _&c._
_See_ AWAKE.
STOW, or STOW-MANGING, an intimation from one _flash-cove_ to another in
a mixed company to be silent, or drop the subject, he was upon. _See_
MANG.
STOW THAT. When a person advances any assertion which his auditor
believes to be false, or spoken in jest, or wishes the former to recant,
the latter will say, _stow that_, if you please, or, _cheese that_;
meaning don’t say so, or that’s out of the question.
STRETCH. Five or ten _stretch_, signifies five or ten yards, _&c._; so in
dealing for any article, as linen, _&c._, I will give you _three hog_ a
_stretch_, means, I’ll give three shillings a yard. _See_ HOG.
STRING. _See_ LINE.
STRUMMEL, the hair of the head. To get your _strummel faked in twig_, is
to have your hair dressed in style.
STUBBS, nothing.
SUIT, in general synonymous with _game_; as, what _suit_ did you _give
it to ’em upon_? in what manner did you rob them, or upon what pretence,
_&c._, did you defraud them? One species of imposition is said to be _a
prime suit_, another _a queer suit_: a man describing the pretext he used
to obtain money from another, would say, _I draw’d_ him _of a quid upon
the suit of_ so and so, naming the ground of his application. _See_ DRAW.
A person having engaged with another on very advantageous terms to serve
or work for him, will declare that he is _upon a good suit_. To use great
submission and respect in asking any favour of another, is called _giving
it to him upon the humble suit_.
SWAG, a bundle, parcel, or package; as a _swag_ of _snow_, _&c._ _The
swag_, is a term used in speaking of any booty you have lately obtained,
be it of what kind it may, except money, as Where did you _lumber the
swag_? that is, where did you deposit the stolen property? To carry _the
swag_ is to be the bearer of the stolen goods to a place of safety. _A
swag_ of any thing, signifies emphatically a great deal. To have _knap’d_
a good _swag_, is to have got a good booty.
SWAG. Wearing-apparel, linen, piece-goods, _&c._, are all comprehended
under the name of _swag_, when describing any _speak_ lately _made_,
_&c._, in order to distinguish them from plate, jewellery, or other more
portable articles.
SWELL, a gentleman; but any well-dressed person is emphatically termed
_a swell_, or a _rank swell_. A _family man_ who appears to have plenty
of money, and makes a genteel figure, is said by his associates to be
_in swell street_. Any thing remarkable for its beauty or elegance, is
called _a swell article_; so _a swell crib_, is a genteel house; _a swell
mollisher_, an elegantly-dressed woman, _&c._ Sometimes, in alluding
to a particular gentleman, whose name is not requisite, he is styled,
_the swell_, meaning the person who is the object of your discourse, or
attention; and whether he is called _the swell_, _the cove_, or _the
gory_, is immaterial, as in the following (in addition to many other)
examples:—I was _turned up_ at _China-street_, because _the swell_ would
not appear; meaning, of course, the prosecutor: again, speaking of a
person whom you were on the point of robbing, but who has taken the
alarm, and is therefore on his guard, you will say to your _pall_, It’s
of no use, _the cove_ is as _down as a hammer_; or, We may as well _stow
it, the gory’s leary_. _See_ COVE and DOWN.
SWIMMER, a guard-ship, or tender; a thief who escapes prosecution,
when before a magistrate, on condition of being sent on board the
receiving-ship, to serve His Majesty, is said by his _palls_ to be
_swimmered_.
SWISH’D, married.
SWODDY, or SWOD-GILL, a soldier.
T
TANNER, a sixpence. _Three and a tanner_, is three and sixpence, _&c._
TAT, to flog or scourge.
TATTS, dice.
TATT-BOX, a dice-box.
TATS AND ALL, an expression used _out of flash_, in the same manner as
the word _bender_; and has a similar meaning.
TEAZE, to flog, or whip.
THIMBLE, a watch.
THIMBLED, having, or wearing a watch.
THRUMS, THRUMBUSKINS, or a THRUM-MOP, three pence.
THROUGH IT, or THROUGH THE PIECE, getting acquitted on an indictment, or
surmounting any other trouble, or difficulty, is called _getting through
it_, or _thro’ the piece_; so, to _get_ a man _through it_, _&c._, is
to extricate him by virtue of your counsel and friendly assistance;
sometimes called _pulling_ him _through it_.
THROW OFF, to talk in a sarcastical strain, so as to convey offensive
allusions under the mask of pleasantry, or innocent freedom; but,
perhaps, secretly venting that abuse which you would not dare to give
in direct terms; this is called _throwing off_, a practice at which the
_flash_ ladies are very expert, when any little jealousies arise among
them. To begin to talk _flash_, and speak freely of robberies past, or
in contemplation, when in company with _family people_, is also termed
_throwing off_; meaning to banish all reserve, none but friends being
present; also, to sing when called on by the company present. _See_
CHAUNT.
TILBURY, a sixpence.
TINNY, a fire; a conflagration.
TINNY-HUNTERS, persons whose practice it is to attend fires, for the
purpose of plundering the unfortunate sufferers, under pretence of
assisting them to remove their property.
TIP, to give, pay, or bribe. To _take the tip_, is to receive a bribe in
any shape; and they say of a person who is known to be corruptible, that
he will _stand the tip_. _The tip_ is a term frequently used to signify
the money concerned in any dealings or contract existing between parties;
synonymous with _the dues_. _See_ DUES.
TITTER, a young woman or girl.
TOBY, to _toby_ a man, is to rob him on the highway; a person convicted
of this offence, is said to be _done_ for _a toby_. _The toby_ applies
exclusively to robbing on horseback; the practice of footpad robbery
being properly called _the spice_, though it is common to distinguish the
former by the title of _high-toby_, and the latter of _low-toby_.
TOBY-GILL, or TOBY-MAN, properly signifies a highwayman.
TODDLE, to walk slowly, either from infirmity or choice. Come, let us
_toddle_, is a familiar phrase, signifying, let us be going.
TODDLER, an infirm elderly person, or a child not yet perfect in walking.
TOG, a coat; to _tog_, is to dress or put on clothes; to _tog_ a person,
is also to supply them with apparel, and they are said to be well or
_queerly tog’d_, according to their appearance.
TOG’D OUT TO THE NINES, a fanciful phrase, meaning simply, that a person
is well or gaily dressed.
TOGS, or TOGGERY, wearing-apparel in general.
TOM BRAY’S BILK, laying out ace and deuce at cribbage.
TOM BROWN, twelve in hand, or crib.
TOOLS, implements for house-breaking, picklocks, pistols, _&c._, are
indiscriminately called _the tools_. A thief, convicted on the police
act, of having illegal instruments or weapons about him, is said to be
_fined for the tools_.
TOP, to _top_ a _clout_ or other article (among pickpockets) is to draw
the corner or end of it to the top of a person’s pocket, in readiness for
_shaking_ or _drawing_, that is, taking out, when a favourable moment
occurs, which latter operation is frequently done by a second person.
TOP’D, hanged.
TO THE NINES; or, TO THE RUFFIAN. These terms are synonymous, and imply
an extreme of any kind, or the superlative degree.
TOUT, to _tout_ a person, is to watch his motions; to keep _tout_, is to
look out, or watch, while your _pall_ is effecting any private purpose.
_A strong tout_, is a strict observation, or eye, upon any proceedings,
or person.
TOW; or, TOW-LINE. _See_ LINE. To _tow_ a person _out_; that is, from his
premises, or post: is to decoy him therefrom by some fictitious story, or
other artifice, while your _pall_ seizes the opportunity of his absence,
to rob the place he has imprudently quitted.
TRAPS, police officers, or runners, are properly so called; but it is
common to include constables of any description under this title.
TRICK. _See_ DO THE TRICK.
TRIG, a bit of stick, paper, _&c._, placed by thieves in the keyhole
of, or elsewhere about, the door of a house, which they suspect to be
uninhabited; if the _trig_ remains unmoved the following day, it is a
proof that no person sleeps in the house, on which the gang enter it the
ensuing night _upon the screw_, and frequently meet with a good booty,
such as beds, carpets, _&c._, the family being probably out of town. This
operation is called _trigging the jigger_.
TRY IT ON, to make any attempt, or essay, where success is doubtful. So
to _try it on with_ a woman, signifies to attempt her chastity.
TURN UP, to desist from, or relinquish, any particular habit or mode of
life, or the further pursuit of any object you had in view, is called
_turning it up_. To _turn up_ a mistress, or a male acquaintance, is
to drop all intercourse, or correspondence, with them. To _turn up_ a
particular house, or shop, you have been accustomed to use, or deal at,
signifies to withdraw your patronage, or custom, and visit it no more.
To quit a person suddenly in the street, whether secretly or openly,
is called _turning him up_. To _turn_ a man _up sweet_, is to get rid
of him effectually, but yet to leave him in perfect good humour, and
free from any suspicion or discontent; this piece of _finesse_ often
affords a field for the exercise of consummate address, as in the case of
_turning up a flat_, after having stript him of all his money at play,
or a shopkeeper, whom you have just robbed before his face of something
valuable, _upon the pinch_, or _the hoist_.
TURNED UP, a person acquitted by a jury, or discharged by a magistrate
for want of evidence, _&c._, is said to be _turned up_. _See_ SWELL.
TURNIPS, to give any body _turnips_ signifies to _turn_ him or her _up_,
and the party so _turned up_, is said to have _knap’d turnips_.
TURN UP A TRUMP, to be fortunate in getting a good _stake_, or by any
other means improving your finances.
TWIG, any thing accomplished cleverly, or as it should be, is said to be
done _in twig_, _in good twig_, or _in prime twig_. A person well dress’d
is said to be _in twig_. _See_ DROP, GAMMON THE TWELVE, and OUT OF TWIG.
TWISTED, hanged.
TWO POLL ONE. _See_ BRIDGE.
TYE IT UP, to _tye up_ any particular custom, practice, or habit, is
synonymous with _knifeing_, _stowing_, _turning it up_, or _stashing_
it. To _tye it up_ is a phrase, which, used emphatically, is generally
understood to mean quitting a course of depredation and wickedness. _See_
SQUARE, and DO THE TRICK.
U
UNBETTY, to unlock. _See_ BETTY.
UNDUB, to unlock, unfasten, _&c._ _See_ DUB UP.
UNPALLED, a thief whose associates are all apprehended, or taken from him
by other means, is said to be _unpalled_, and he is then obliged to _work
single-handed_.
UNSLOUR, to unlock, unfasten, or unbutton. _See_ SLOUR. Speaking of
a person whose coat is buttoned, so as to obstruct the access to his
pockets, the _knucks_ will say to each other, _the cove_ is _slour’d up_,
we must _unslour him_ to get at his _kickseys_.
UNTHIMBLE, to _unthimble_ a man, is to rob, or otherwise deprive him of
his watch.
UNTHIMBLED, having been divested of one’s watch.
UP IN THE STIRRUPS, a man who is _in swell street_. that is, having
plenty of money, is said to be _up in the stirrups_.
UPON THE CROSS. _See_ CROSS.
UPON THE SQUARE. _See_ SQUARE.
UPON THE SUIT, _&c._ _See_ SUIT.
UPPER-BEN, UPPER-BENJAMIN, UPPER-TOG, a great-coat.
V
VARDO, a waggon.
VARDO-GILL, a waggoner.
W
WACK, to share or divide any thing equally, as _wack the blunt_, divide
the money, _&c._
WACK, a share or equal proportion, as give me my _wack_, that is, my due
part.
WALKER, an ironical expression, synonymous with _bender_, and used in the
same manner.
WALKING-DISTILLER. _See_ CARRY THE KEG.
WANTED, when any of the _traps_ or runners have a private information
against a _family person_, and are using means to apprehend the party,
they say, such a one is _wanted_; and it becomes the latter, on receiving
such intimation to keep _out of the way_, until the _stink_ is over, or
until he or she can find means to _stash the business_ through the medium
of _Mr. Palmer_, or by some other means.
WATER-SNEAK, robbing ships or vessels on a navigable river, or canal, by
getting on board unperceived, generally in the night. _The water-sneak_,
is lately made a capital offence.
WEAR IT, to _wear it upon_ a person, (meaning to _wear a nose_, or _a
conk_,) is synonymous with _nosing_, _conking_, _splitting_, or _coming
it_, and is merely one of those fanciful variations so much admired by
_flash people_.
WEAR THE BANDS. _See_ BANDS.
WEDGE, silver; as a _wedge-feeder_, a silver-spoon, _&c._; but silver
coin, as well as silver plate, are both comprehended under the name of
_wedge_. _See_ RIDGE, and SPEAK TO.
WEED, tobacco.
WEED, to pilfer or purloin a small portion from a large quantity of
anything; often done by young or timid depredators, in the hope of
escaping detection, as, an apprentice or shopman will _weed_ his master’s
_lob_, that is, take small sums out of the till when opportunity offers,
which sort of peculation may be carried on with impunity for a length
of time; but experienced thieves sometimes think it good _judgment_ to
_weed_ a place, in order that it may be _good_ again, perhaps for a
considerable length of time, as in the instance of a warehouse, or other
depôt for goods, to which they may possess the means of access by means
of a false key; in this case, by taking too great _a swag_, at first, the
proprietors would discover the deficiency, and take measures to prevent
future depredation. To _weed the swag_ is to embezzle part of the booty,
unknown to your _palls_, before a division takes place, a temptation
against which very few of _the family_ are proof, if they can find an
opportunity. A _flash-cove_, on discovering a deficiency in his purse
or property, which he cannot account for, will declare that he, (or it,
naming the article,) has been _wedded to the ruffian_.
WEEDING DUES, speaking of any person, place, or property, that has been
_weeded_, it is said _weeding dues_ have been concerned. _See_ DUES.
WEIGH FORTY, term used by the police, who are as well versed in _flash_
as the thieves themselves. It is often customary with the _traps_, to
wink at depredations of a petty nature, and for which no reward would
attach, and to let a thief _reign_ unmolested till he commits a capital
crime. They then _grab_ him, and, on conviction, share (in many cases)
a reward of 40_l._, or upwards; therefore these gentry will say, Let
him alone at present, we don’t _want_ him till he _weighs his weight_,
meaning, of course, forty pounds.
WELL, to _well_ your accomplice, or _put him in the well_, is explained
under the word GARDEN, which _see_.
WHIDDLE, to speak of, or mention any thing, as, Don’t you _whiddle_ about
so and so, that is, don’t mention it.
WHIDDLER, a talkative or tell-tale person, who is not fit to be trusted
with a secret.
WHIDS, words. _See_ CRACK A WHID.
WHISTLERS. _See_ BROWNS AND WHISTLERS.
WIN, or WINCHESTER, a penny.
WIND, a man transported for his natural life, is said to be _lag’d for
his wind_, or to have _knap’d a winder_, or _a bellowser_, according to
the humour of the speaker.
WOOLLY-BIRDS, sheep.
WORK. To _work upon_ any particular _game_, is to practise generally,
that species of fraud or depredation, as, He _works upon the crack_,
he follows house-breaking, _&c._ An offender having been detected in
the very fact, particularly in cases of coining, colouring base-metal,
_&c._, is emphatically said to have been _grab’d at work_, meaning to
imply, that the proof against him being so plain, he has no ground of
defence to set up.
WRINKLE, to lie, or utter a falsehood.
WRINKLE, an untruth.
WRINKLER, a person prone to lying; such a character is called also _a
gully_, which is probably an abbreviation of Gulliver, and from hence, to
_gully_ signifies to lie, or deal in the marvellous.
Y
YACK, a watch (obsolete.)
YARN, _yarning_ or _spinning a yarn_, is a favourite amusement among
_flash-people_; signifying to relate their various adventures, exploits,
and escapes to each other. This is most common and gratifying, among
persons in confinement or exile, to enliven a dull hour, and probably
excite a secret hope of one day enjoying a repetition of their former
pleasures. _See_ BONED. A person expert at telling these stories, is said
to _spin a fine yarn_. A man using a great deal of rhetoric, and exerting
all his art to talk another person out of any thing he is intent upon,
the latter will answer, Aye, Aye, you can _spin a good yarn_, but it
won’t do; meaning, all your eloquence will not have the desired effect.
YELLOW, jealous; a jealous husband is called a _yellow gloak_.
YOKUFF, a chest, or large box.
YORK. To stare or look at any person in an impertinent manner, is termed
_yorking_; to _york_ any thing, in a common sense, is to view, look at,
or examine it.
YORK, a look, or observation; a _flash-cove_ observing another person (_a
flat_) who appears to notice or scrutinize him, his proceedings, or the
company he is with, will say to his _palls_, That _cove_ is _yorking as
strong as a horse_, or, There is _York-street concerned_.
YOUKELL, a countryman, or clown.
YOURNABS, yourself; an emphatical term used in speaking to another person.
FINIS.
Printed by W. CLOWES, Northumberland-court, Strand.
FOOTNOTES
[52] The Author (a prisoner under sentence of transportation for life)
having, by an alleged act of impropriety, incurred the Governor’s
displeasure, was at this period banished to Newcastle, a place of
punishment for offenders: these sheets were there compiled during his
solitary hours of cessation from hard labour; and the Commandant was
accordingly presented by the Author with the first copy of his production.