1811. Lex. Bal., s.v. Music ... is also an Irish term, in tossing
up, to express the harp side, or reverse, of a farthing or
halfpenny opposed to the head.
To face the music. See face.
Music-box, subs. (common).—A piano.
1863. C. Reade, Hard Cash, i. 178. But just you hear her sing, that
is all ... Just smiles and sits down to the music-box.
Musicianer, subs. (American).—A musician.
1848. Burton, Waggeries etc., p. 186. The landlord cursed the
musicianer who paid his rent in such uncurrent notes.
Muslin (or a bit of muslin), subs. (common).—A woman. For synonyms see
Petticoat.
1823. Moncrieff, Tom and Jerry, i. 1. A bit of muslin on the sly.
1828. G. Griffin, Collegians, x. Captain, I see you laugh a great
deal, but you mustn’t laugh at our girls, though, there are sume
pretty bits o’ muslin there, I can tell you.
1843. W. T. Moncrieff, The Scamps of London, i. 1. I came up to
town to see life, leaving behind me as pretty a piece of muslin as
you’d wish to see.
1849. Thackeray, Pendennis, l. ‘That was a pretty bit of muslin
hanging on your arm—who was she?’
1884. Hawley Smart, Post to Finish, 128. One thing more: take my
advice, and keep clear of muslin for the next six or seven years.
It’s brought as many of your profession to grief as spirits.
Musn’t-mention-ems, subs. (common).—Trousers. For synonyms see Bags and
Kicks.
Muss, subs. (American).—1. Confusion; a fuss. See quot. 1859.
1848. Burton, Waggeries etc., p. 25. They soon raised a pretty
muss, and kept on tearin’ at each other like a pack o’ wolves.
1848. Durivage, Stray Subjects, p. 138. You’re eternally kicking up
a muss with somebody.
1848. Jones, Sketches of Travel, p. 9. We’re all in a muss now
gettin’ ready for the journey.
1859. Matsell, Vocabulum, s.v. Muss. A quarrel; a row.
1888. Texas Siftings, 18 Aug. ‘Raw oysters for two, mister.’ ‘Yes,
sir—have ’em in the shell?’ ‘Yes, John, if you think you kin open
’em ’thout makin’ a muss.’