WIPE, a blow.
WIPE, to strike; “he fetcht me a WIPE over the knuckles,” he struck
me on the knuckles; “to WIPE a person down,” to flatter or pacify a
person; to WIPE off a score, to pay one’s debts, in allusion to the
slate or chalk methods of account keeping; “to WIPE a person’s eye,”
to shoot game which he has missed—_Sporting term_; hence to obtain an
advantage by superior activity.
WIRE, a thief with long fingers, expert at picking ladies’ pockets.
WOBBLESHOP, where beer is sold without a license.
WOODEN SPOON, the last junior optime who takes a University
degree; denoting one who is only fit to stay at home, and stir
porridge.—_Cambridge._
WOODEN WEDGE, the last name in the classical honours list at Cambridge.
The last in mathematical honours had long been known as the WOODEN
SPOON; but when the classical Tripos was instituted, in 1824, it was
debated among the undergraduates what _sobriquet_ should be given to
the last on the examination list. Curiously enough, the name that year
which happened to be last was WEDGEWOOD (a distinguished Wrangler).
Hence the title.
WOOL, courage, pluck; “you are not half-WOOLLED,” term of reproach from
one thief to another.
WOOLBIRD, a lamb; “wing of a WOOLBIRD,” a shoulder of lamb.
WOOL-GATHERING, said of any person’s wits when they are wandering, or
in a reverie.—_Florio._
WOOL-HOLE, the workhouse.
WORK, to plan, or lay down and execute any course of action, to perform
anything; “to WORK the BULLS,” _i.e._, to get rid of false crown
pieces; “to WORK the ORACLE,” to succeed by manœuvring, to concert a
wily plan, to victimise,—a possible reference to the stratagems and
bribes used to corrupt the _Delphic oracle_, and cause it to deliver
a favourable response. “To WORK a street or neighbourhood,” trying at
each house to sell all one can, or so bawling that every housewife
may know what you have to sell. The general plan is to drive a donkey
barrow a short distance, and then stop and cry. The term implies
thoroughness; to “WORK a street well” is a common saying with a coster.
WORM, _see_ PUMP.
WORMING, removing the beard of an oyster or muscle.
W.P., or WARMING PAN. A clergyman who holds a living _pro tempore_,
under a bond of resignation, is styled a W.P., or WARMING PAN rector,
because he keeps the place warm for his successor.—_Clerical slang._
WRINKLE, an idea, or fancy; an additional piece of knowledge which is
supposed to be made by a WRINKLE _à posteriori_.
WRITE, “to WRITE ONE’S NAME on a joint,” to have the first cut at
anything,—leaving sensible traces of one’s presence on it.
YACK, a watch; to “_church_ a YACK,” to take it out of its case to
avoid detection.
YARD OF CLAY, a long, old-fashioned tobacco pipe, also called a
_churchwarden_.