Off or on one’s own bat, phr. (popular).—On one’s own account; by
one’s own exertions. A figurative usage of a cricketing term; ‘off
one’s own bat,’ is said of a score made by a player individually.
1845. Sydney Smith, Fragm. Irish Ch., wks. II., 340, 1. He had no
revenues but what he got off his own bat. [M.]
1855. Lord Lonsdale, in Croker Papers (1884), vol. III., p. 325.
Derby ... would not make a Ministry from his own friends or his own
bat.
1880. Hawley Smart, Social Sinners, ch. xxiii. ‘You have a weakness
for the great world? Good. Score off your own bat, and it is the
great world comes to you.’
1884. Sat. Review, March 8, p. 308, col. 2. He has in the most
workmanlike manner, and off his own bat, lost for the Government an
important seat by a crushing majority.
To carry out one’s bat, phr. (popular).—This also is derived from a
cricketing expression. In the game it means to be not out, i.e., the
last man in. Figuratively, therefore, to carry out one’s bat is to
persevere and carry through an undertaking; to outlast all other
opponents; and thus to secure the result aimed at.
1874. M. Collins, Frances, ch. xxviii. The General defended his
stumps as he would have defended a fortress, and carried his bat
out with a score of a hundred and seven.
Batchelor’s Son, subs. (old).—A bastard.
Bates’ Farm or Garden, subs. (thieves’).—Coldbath Fields prison. [From
a warder of that name + a certain appropriateness in the initials,
C.B.F., the prison initials, and used as a stamp = Charley Bates’
Farm.] When, formerly, the convicts were put to the treadmill in this
prison, they were said to be ‘feeding the chickens on Charley Bates’
Farm.’ Newgate was also called Akerman’s Hotel, from a former governor,
and a similar reason has caused the Melbourne gaol to be nicknamed
Castilan’s Hotel by Australian thieves.
[Circa 1850, but date uncertain.]
Bates’ Farm.
Good evening pals, how do you do,
I thought I’d give a call,
And introduce myself to you,
For I’m glad to see you all.
I’m up to every little fake,
But in me there’s no harm,
For it was this blooming morning
That I left Old Bates’ Farm.