1839. Ainsworth, Jack Sheppard [1889], p. 8. Let me advise you on
no account to fly to strong waters for consolation, Joan. One nail
drives out another, it’s true; but the worst nail you can employ is
a coffin nail. Gin Lane’s the nearest road to the churchyard.
Gin-mill, subs. (American).—A drinking saloon. For synonyms, see
Lush-crib.
1872. Belgravia, Dec. ‘A Presidential Election.’ Then goes off to
rejoin his comrades, to adjourn to the nearest gin-mill.
Ginnified, subs. (common).—Dazed, or stupid, with liquor.
Ginnums, subs. (common).—An old woman: especially one fond of drink.
Ginny, subs. (old).—A housebreaker’s tool; see quot., 1754.
1690. B. E., Dict. of the Cant. Crew, s.v.
1754. Scoundrels’ Dict. An instrument to lift up a grate or
grating, to steal what is in the window. ‘The ninth is a ginny, to
lift up the grate, If he sees but the Lurry, with his Hooks he will
bait.’
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Gin-penny, subs. (costermongers’).—Extra profit, generally spent in
drink.
Gin-slinger, subs. (common).—A gin-drinker. For synonyms, see
Lushington.
Gin-spinner, subs. (old).—A distiller; a dealer in spirituous liquors.
Cf., Ale-spinner.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1827. Egan, Anecdotes of the Turf, p. 179. Just as she was about to
toddle to the gin-spinner’s for the ould folk and lisp out for a
quartern of Max.
1888. F. Green, in Notes and Queries, 7 S., vi., 153. I have always
understood that a gin spinner is a distiller who makes gin, but
could never find out why so called.
Gin-twist, subs. (common).—A drink composed of gin and sugar, with
lemon and water.
1841. Comic Almanac, p. 271 What, for instance, but gin-twist could
have brought Oliver Twist to light?
Gin Up, verb. (American).—To work hard; to make things lively or hum
(q.v.). For synonyms, see Wire in.
1887. Francis, Saddle and Moccassin. They were ginning her up,
that’s a fact.
Gip, subs. (American thieves’).—1. A thief. 2. Also (Cambridge
University) a college servant. See Gyp. For synonyms, see Thieves.
Girl, subs. (common).—1. A prostitute; in. pl. = the stock in trade of
a brothel. See Barrack Hack, Tart, and Gay. Fr., fille.