DASHING, showy, fast.
DAVID’S SOW, “as drunk as DAVID’S SOW,” _i.e._, beastly drunk.—See
origin of the phrase in _Grose’s Dictionary_.
DAVY, “on my DAVY,” on my affidavit, of which it is a vulgar
corruption. Latterly DAVY has become synonymous in street language
with the name of the Deity; “so help me DAVY,” slang rendering of the
conclusion of the oath usually exacted of witnesses.
DAVY’S LOCKER, or DAVY JONES’ LOCKER, the sea, the common receptacle
for all things thrown overboard;—a nautical phrase for death, the other
world.
DAWDLE, to loiter, or fritter away time.
DAYLIGHTS, eyes; “to darken his DAYLIGHTS,” to give a person black eyes.
DEAD ALIVE, stupid, dull.
DEAD HORSE, “to draw the DEAD HORSE,” DEAD-HORSE work,—working for
wages already paid; also any thankless or unassisted service.
DEAD-LURK, entering a dwelling-house during divine service.
DEAD MEN, the term for wine bottles after they are emptied of their
contents.—_Old._—_See_ MARINES.
DEAD-SET, a pointed attack on a person.
DEANER, a shilling. _Provincial Gipsey_, DEANEE, a pound.
DEATH, “to dress to DEATH,” _i.e._, to the very extreme of fashion,
perhaps so as to be KILLING.
DEATH-HUNTERS, running patterers, who vend last dying speeches and
confessions.
DECK, a pack of cards.—_Old._ Used by Bulwer as a cant term. General in
the _United States_.