HOP-MERCHANT, a dancing-master.
HOPPING GILES, a cripple. St. Ægidius or Giles, himself similarly
afflicted, was their patron saint. The ancient lazar houses were
dedicated to him.
HORRID HORN, term of reproach amongst the street Irish, meaning a fool,
or half-witted fellow. From the _Erse_ OMADHAUN, a brainless fellow. A
correspondent suggests HERRIDAN, a miserable old woman.
HORRORS, the low spirits, or “blue devils,” which follow intoxication.
HORSE, contraction of Horsemonger-lane Gaol.
HORSE CHAUNTER, a dealer who takes worthless horses to country fairs
and disposes of them by artifice. He is flexible in his ethics, and
will put in a glass-eye, or perform other tricks.—_See_ COPER.
HORSE NAILS, money.—_Compare_ BRADS.
HORSE’S NIGHTCAP, a halter; “to die in a HORSE’S NIGHTCAP,” to be hung.
HORSE MARINE, an awkward person. In ancient times the “JOLLIES” or
Royal Marines, were the butts of the sailors, from their ignorance of
seamanship. “Tell that to the MARINES, the blue jackets won’t believe
it!” was a common rejoinder to a “stiff yarn.” Now-a-days they are
deservedly appreciated as the finest regiment in the service. A HORSE
MARINE (an impossibility) was used to denote one more awkward still.
HOT COPPERS, the feverish sensations experienced next morning by those
who have been drunk over night.
HOT TIGER, an Oxford mixture of hot-spiced ale and sherry.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, a water-closet.
HOXTER, an inside pocket.—_Old English_, OXTER.
HUEY, a town or village.
HUFF, to vex, or offend; a poor temper.
HUFF, a dodge or trick; “don’t try that HUFF on me,” or “that HUFF
won’t do.”—_Norwich._
HULK, to hang about in hopes of an invitation.—_See_ MOOCH.