KNAP, to receive, to take, to steal.
KNAPPING-JIGGER, a turnpike-gate; “to dub at the KNAPPING-JIGGER,” to
pay money at the turnpike.
KNARK, a hard-hearted or savage person.
KNIFE, “to KNIFE a person,” to stab, an un-English but now-a-days a
very common expression.
KNIFE IT, “cut it,” cease, stop, don’t proceed.
KNIFE-BOARD, the seat running along the roof of an omnibus.
KNIGHT, a common and ironical prefix to a man’s calling,—thus, “KNIGHT
of the whip,” a coachman; “KNIGHT of the thimble,” a tailor.
KNOCK ABOUT THE BUB, to hand or pass about the drink.
KNOCK DOWN, or KNOCK ME DOWN, strong ale.
KNOCK OFF, to give over, or abandon. A saying used by workmen about
dinner, or other meal times, for upwards of two centuries.
KNOCKED UP, tired, jaded, used up, done for. In the United States,
amongst females, the phrase is equivalent to being _enceinte_, so that
Englishmen often unconsciously commit themselves when amongst our
Yankee cousins.
KNOCK-IN, the game of _loo_.
KNOCK-OUTS, or KNOCK-INS, disreputable persons who visit auction
rooms and unite to buy the articles at their own prices. One of their
number is instructed to buy for the rest, and after a few small bids
as blinds to the auctioneer and bystanders, the lot is knocked down to
the KNOCK-OUT bidders, at a nominal price—the competition to result
from an auction being thus frustrated and set aside. At the conclusion
of the sale the goods are paid for, and carried to some neighbouring
public house, where they are re-sold or KNOCKED-OUT, and the difference
between the first purchase and the second—or tap-room KNOCK-OUT—is
divided amongst the gang. As generally happens with ill-gotten
gains, the money soon finds its way to the landlord’s pocket, and
the KNOCK-OUT is rewarded with a red nose or a bloated face. Cunning
tradesmen join the KNOCK-OUTS when an opportunity for money making
presents itself. The lowest description of KNOCK-OUTS, fellows with
more tongue than capital, are termed BABES,—which see.
KNOCKING-SHOP, a brothel, or disreputable house frequented by
prostitutes.
KNOWING, a slang term for sharpness; “KNOWING codger,” or “a KNOWING
blade,” one who can take you in, or cheat you, in any transaction you
may have with him. It implies also deep cunning and foresight, and
generally signifies dishonesty.
“Who, on a spree with black eyed Sal, his blowen,
So swell, so prime, so nutty and so KNOWING.”
_Don Juan._