SCULL, or SKULL, the head or master of a college.—_University_, but
nearly _obsolete_; the gallery, however, in St. Mary’s (the University
church), where the “Heads of Houses” sit in solemn state, is still
nicknamed the GOLGOTHA by the undergraduates.
SCURF, a mean fellow.
SEALS, a religious slang term for converts.—_See_ OWNED.
SEEDY, worn out, poverty stricken, used up, shabby. Metaphorical
expression from the appearance of flowers when off bloom and running to
_seed_; hence said of one who wears clothes until they crack and become
shabby; “how SEEDY he looks,” said of any man whose clothes are worn
threadbare, with greasy facings, and hat brightened up by perspiration
and continual polishing and wetting. When a man’s coat begins to look
worn out and shabby he is said to look SEEDY and ready for _cutting_.
This term has been “on the streets” for nearly two centuries, and
latterly has found its way into most dictionaries. Formerly slang, it
is now a recognised word, and one of the most expressive in the English
language. The French are always amused with it, they having no similar
term.
SELL, to deceive, swindle, or play a practical joke upon a person. A
sham is a SELL in street parlance. “SOLD again, and got the money,”
a costermonger cries after having successfully deceived somebody.
_Shakespere_ uses SELLING in a similar sense, viz., blinding or
deceiving.
SELL, a deception, disappointment; also a lying joke.
SENSATION, a quartern of gin.
SERENE, all right; “it’s all SERENE,” a street phrase of very modern
adoption, the burden of a song.
SERVE OUT, to punish, or be revenged on any one.
SETTER, sevenpence. _Italian_, SETTE.—_See_ SALTEE.
SETTER, a person employed by the vendor at an auction to run the
biddings up; to bid against _bonâ fide_ bidders.
SETTLE, to kill, ruin, or effectually quiet a person.
SETTLED, transported.
SET TO, a sparring match, a fight; “a dead set,” a determined stand, in
argument or in movement.
SEVEN PENNORTH, transported for seven years.
SEWED-UP, done up, used up, intoxicated. _Dutch_, SEEUWT, sick.
SHACK, a “chevalier d’industrie.”