DUFFER, a hawker of “Brummagem” or sham jewellery; a sham of any kind;
a fool, or worthless person. DUFFER was formerly synonymous with
DUDDER, and was a general term given to pedlars. It is mentioned in
the _Frauds of London_ (1760), as a word in frequent use in the last
century to express cheats of all kinds. From the _German_, DURFEN, to
want?
DUFFING, false, counterfeit, worthless.
DUKE, gin.—_Household Words_, No. 183.
DUMB-FOUND, to perplex, to beat soundly till not able to speak.
Originally a cant word. _Johnson_ cites the _Spectator_ for the
earliest use. _Scotch_, DUMFOUNDER.
DUMMACKER, a knowing or acute person.
DUMMIES, empty bottles and drawers in an apothecary’s shop, labelled so
as to give an idea of an extensive stock.
DUMMY, in three-handed whist the person who holds two hands plays DUMMY.
DUMMY, a pocket book.
DUMP FENCER, a man who sells buttons.
DUMPY, short and stout.
DUMPISH, sullen, or glumpy.
DUN, to solicit payment.—_Old cant_, from the French DONNEZ, give; or
from JOE DUN, the famous bailiff of Lincoln; or simply a corruption of
DIN, from the _Anglo Saxon_ DUNAN, to clamour?