BLUE, or BLEW, to pawn or pledge.
BLUE, confounded or surprised; “to look BLUE,” to be astonished or
disappointed.
BLUE BILLY, the handkerchief (blue ground with white spots) worn and
used at prize fights. Before a SET TO, it is common to take it from the
neck and tie it round the leg as a garter, or round the waist, to “keep
in the wind.” Also, the refuse ammoniacal lime from gas factories.
BLUE BLANKET, a rough over coat made of coarse pilot cloth.
BLUE-BOTTLE, a policeman. It is singular that this well known slang
term for a London constable should have been used by Shakespere. In
part ii. of King Henry IV., act v., scene 4, Doll Tearsheet calls the
beadle, who is dragging her in, a “thin man in a censer, a BLUE-BOTTLE
rogue.”
BLUED, or BLEWED, tipsey or drunk.
BLUE DEVILS, the apparitions supposed to be seen by habitual drunkards.
BLUE MOON, an unlimited period.
BLUE MURDER, a desperate or alarming cry. _French_, MORT-BLEU.
BLUE RUIN, gin.
BLUE-PIGEON FLYERS, journeymen plumbers, glaziers, and others, who,
under the plea of repairing houses, strip off the lead, and make way
with it. Sometimes they get off with it by wrapping it round their
bodies.
BLUES, a fit of despondency.—_See_ BLUE DEVILS.
BLUEY, lead. _German_, BLEI.
BLUFF, an excuse.
BLUFF, to turn aside, stop, or excuse.
BLUNT, money. It has been said that this term is from the _French_
BLOND, sandy or golden colour, and that a parallel may be found in
BROWN or BROWNS, the slang for half-pence. The etymology seems far
fetched, however.