Hang-bluff, subs. (rhyming).—Snuff.
1857. Ducange Anglicus, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1859. Matsell, Vocabulum, s.v.
Hang-by, subs. (old).—A hanger-on; a parasite; a companion.
1598. Jonson, Every Man in his Humour, iv., 2. I am not afraid of
you nor them neither, you hang-byes here.
Hang-dog, subs. (old).—A pitiful rascal, only fit for the rope or the
hanging of superfluous curs. Cf., Gallows-bird.
1732. Fielding, Mock Doctor, i., 4. Heaven has inspired me with one
of the most wonderful inventions to be revenged on my hang-dog.
Adj. (old).—Vile, or suspicious, in aspect; gallows-looking (q.v.).
Hang-gallows, adj. (old).—See quot.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Hang-gallows Look, a thievish, or
villainous appearance.
Hanger, subs. (old).—A side-arm—short sword or cutlass—hanging from the
girdle. (See Hangers, in. pl., sense 1.)
1815. Scott, Guy Mannering, x. A couteau de chasse, or short
hanger.
In. pl. (old).—1. Ornamental loops from the girdle to suspend the sword
and dagger.
1596. Shakspeare, Hamlet, v. 2. Six French rapiers and poignards,
with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so on.
1596. Nashe, Unf. Trav. [Chiswick Press, 1891]. Huge hangers that
have half a cowhide in them.
1599. Jonson, Every Man out of his Humour, iv., 4. I had thrown off
the hangers a little before.
1610. Jonson, Alchemist, v., 2. Where be the French petticoats, And
girdles and hangers?