Saturday 18 April 2015

From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue - A

ACE OF SPADES. A widow.
ACORN. You will ride a horse foaled by an acorn, i.e. the gallows, called also the Wooden and Three-legged Mare. You will be hanged.
ADMIRAL OF THE NARROW SEAS. One who from drunkenness vomits into the lap of the person sitting opposite to him.
ALDERMAN. A roasted turkey garnished with sausages; the latter are supposed to represent the gold chain worn by those magistrates.
ALL NATIONS. A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
ALLS. The five alls is a country sign, representing five human figures, each having a motto under him. The first is a king in his regalia; his motto, I govern all: the second, a bishop in pontificals; motto, I pray for all: third, a lawyer in his gown; motto, I plead for all: fourth: a soldier in his regimentals, fully accoutred; motto, I fight for all: fifth, a poor countryman with his scythe and rake; motto, I pay for all.
AMBASSADOR OF MOROCCO. A Shoemaker.
TO AMUSE. To fling dust or snuff in the eyes of the person intended to be robbed.
ANKLE. A girl who is got with child, is said to have sprained her ankle.
APOSTLES. (CAMBRIDGE.) Men who are plucked, refused their degree.
APPLE DUMPLING SHOP. A woman's bosom.
AVOIR DU POIS LAY. Stealing brass weights off the counters of shop.

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