DRAG, a cart of any kind, a coach; gentlemen drive to the races in
drags.
DRAG, a street, or road; BACK-DRAG, back-street.
DRAG, or THREE MOON, three months in prison.
DRAGGING, robbing carts, &c.
DRAGSMEN, fellows who cut trunks from the backs of carriages. They
sometimes have a light cart, and “drop behind” the plundered vehicle,
and then drive off in an opposite direction with the booty.
DRAIN, a drink; “to do a DRAIN,” to take a friendly drink—“do a wet;”
sometimes called a COMMON SEWER.
DRAW, “come, DRAW it mild!” _i.e._, don’t exaggerate; opposite of
“come it strong.” From the phraseology of the bar (of a PUBLIC), where
customers desire the beer to be DRAWN mild.
DRAWERS, formerly the ancient cant name for very long stockings, now a
hosier’s term.
DRAWING TEETH, wrenching off knockers.
DRIVE-AT, to aim at; “what is he DRIVING AT?” “what does he intend
to imply?” a phrase often used when a circuitous line of argument
is adopted by a barrister, or a strange set of questions asked, the
purpose of which is not very evident.
DRIVE, a term used by tradesmen in speaking of business; “he’s DRIVING
a _roaring_ trade,” _i.e._, a very good one; hence, to succeed in a
bargain, “I DROVE a good bargain,” _i.e._, got the best end of it.
DRIZ, lace. In a low lodging house this singular autograph inscription
appeared over the mantelpiece, “Scotch Mary, with DRIZ (lace), bound to
Dover and back, please God.”
DRIZ FENCER, a person who sells lace.
DROP, to quit, go off, or turn aside; “DROP the main Toby,” go off the
main road.
DROP, “to DROP INTO a person,” to give him a thrashing.—_See_ SLIP and
WALK. “To DROP ON to a man,” to accuse or rebuke him suddenly.
DRUM, a house, a lodging, a street; HAZARD-DRUM, a gambling house;
FLASH-DRUM, a house of ill-fame.
DRUMMER, a robber who first makes his victims insensible by drugs or
violence, and then plunders them.
DUB, to pay or give; “DUB UP,” pay up.
DUBBER, the mouth; “mum your DUBBER,” hold your tongue.
DUBLIN PACKET, to turn a corner; to “take the DUBLIN PACKET,” viz., run
round the corner.