Chapter XII (2)

HALF A BEAN, HALF A QUID, half-a-guinea.

HALF A BULL, half-a-crown.

HALF-FLASH AND HALF-FOOLISH, this character is applied sarcastically to a person, who has a smattering of the cant language, and having associated a little with _family_ people, pretends to a knowledge of _life_ which he really does not possess, and by this conduct becomes an object of ridicule among his acquaintance.

HAMMERISH, _down as a hammer_.

HANG IT ON, purposely to delay or protract the performance of any task or service you have undertaken, by dallying, and making as slow a progress as possible, either from natural indolence, or to answer some private end of your own. To _hang it on with_ a woman, is to form a temporary connexion with her; to cohabit or keep company with her without marriage.

HANK, a bull-bait, or bullock-hunt.

HANK, to have a person _at a good hank_, is to have made any contract with him very advantageous to yourself; or to be able from some prior cause to command or use him just as you please; to have the benefit of his purse or other services, in fact, upon your own terms.

HANK, a spell or cessation from any work or duty, on the score of indisposition, or some other pretence.

HIGH-TOBY, the _game_ of highway robbery, that is, exclusively on horseback.

HIGH-TOBY-GLOAK, a highwayman.

HIS-NABS, him, or himself; a term used by way of emphasis, when speaking of a third person.

HOBBLED, taken up, or in custody; to _hobble_ a _plant_, is to _spring_ it. _See_ PLANT.

HOG, a shilling; five, ten, or more shillings, are called five, ten, or more _hog_.

HOIST, the _game_ of shop-lifting is called _the hoist_; a person expert at this practice is said to be _a good hoist_.

HOLE. _See_ GARDEN.

HOPPER-DOCKERS, shoes.

HORNEY, a constable.

HOXTER, an inside coat-pocket.

I

IN IT, to let another partake of any benefit or acquisition you have acquired by robbery or otherwise, is called _putting_ him _in it_: a _family-man_ who is accidentally witness to a robbery, _&c._, effected by one or more others, will say to the latter, Mind, I’m _in it_; which is generally acceded to, being the established custom; but there seems more of courtesy than right in this practice.

IN TOWN, flush of money; _breeched_.

J

JACOB, a ladder; a simple half-witted person.

JACK, a post-chaise.

JACK-BOY, a postillion.

JACKET, to _jacket_ a person, or _clap a jacket_ on him, is nearly synonymous with _bridging_ him. _See_ BRIDGE. But this term is more properly applied to removing a man by underhand and vile means from any birth or situation he enjoys, commonly with a view to supplant him; therefore, when a person, is supposed to have fallen a victim to such infamous machinations, it is said to have been a _jacketting concern_.

JASEY, a wig.

JEMMY, or JAMES, an iron-crow.

JERRY, a fog or mist.

JERVIS, a coachman.

JERVIS’S UPPER BENJAMIN, a box, or coachman’s great coat.

JIGGER, a door.

JOB, any concerted robbery, which is to be executed at a certain time, is spoken of by the parties as _the job_, or having _a job_ to do at such a place; and in this case as regular preparations are made, and as great debates held, as about any legal business undertaken by the industrious part of the community.

JOGUE, a shilling; _five jogue_ is five shillings, and so on, to any other number.

JOSKIN, a country-bumbkin.

JUDGE, a _family-man_, whose talents and experience have rendered him a complete adept in his profession, and who acts with a systematic prudence on all occasions, is allowed to be, and called by his friends, a fine _judge_.

JUDGEMENT, prudence; economy in acting; abilities, (the result of long experience,) for executing the most intricate and hazardous projects; any thing accomplished in a masterly manner, is, therefore, said to have been done with _judgement_; on concerting or planning any operations, one party will say, I think it would be _judgement_ to do so and so, meaning expedient to do it.

JUDY, a _blowen_; but sometimes used when speaking familiarly of any woman.

JUGELOW, a dog.

JUMP, a window on the ground-floor.

JUMP, a _game_, or species of robbery effected by getting into a house through any of the lower windows. To _jump_ a place, is to rob it upon the _jump_. A man convicted for this offence, is said to be _done_ for _a jump_.

K

KELP, a hat; to _kelp_ a person, is to move your hat to him.

KEMESA, a shirt.

KEN, a house; often joined to other descriptive terms, as, _flash-ken_, a _bawdy-ken_, _&c._

KENT, a coloured pocket-handkerchief of cotton or linen.

KICK, a sixpence, when speaking of compound sums only, as, _three and a kick_, is three and sixpence, _&c._

KICKSEYS, breeches; speaking of a purse, _&c._, taken from the breeches pocket, they say, it was _got from the kickseys_, there being no cant term for the breeches pocket. To _turn out_ a man’s _kickseys_, means to pick the pockets of them, in which operation it is necessary to turn those pockets inside out, in order to get at the contents.

KID, a child of either sex, but particularly applied to a boy who commences thief at an early age; and when by his dexterity he has become famous, he is called by his acquaintances _the kid_ so and so, mentioning his sirname.

KIDDY, a thief of the lower order, who, when he is _breeched_, by a course of successful depredation, dresses in the extreme of vulgar gentility, and affects a knowingness in his air and conversation, which renders him in reality an object of ridicule; such a one is pronounced by his associates of the same class, a _flash-kiddy_, or a _rolling-kiddy_. _My kiddy_ is a familiar term used by these gentry in addressing each other.

KID-RIG, meeting a child in the streets who is going on some errand, and by a false, but well fabricated story, obtaining any parcel or goods it may be carrying; this _game_ is practised by two persons, who have each their respective parts to play, and even porters and other grown persons are sometimes defrauded of their load by this artifice. To _kid_ a person _out of_ any thing, is to obtain it from him by means of a false pretence, as that you were sent by a third person, _&c._, such impositions are all generally termed _the kid-rig_.

KINCHEN, a young lad.

KIRK, a church or chapel.

KNAP, to steal; take; receive; accept; according to the sense it is used in; as, to _knap a clout_, is to steal a pocket-handkerchief; to _knap the swag_ from your _pall_, is to take from him the property he has just stolen, for the purpose of carrying it; to _knap seven or fourteen pen’worth_, is to receive sentence of transportation for seven or fourteen years; to _knap the glim_, is to catch the venereal disease; in making a bargain, to _knap_ the sum offered you, is to accept it; speaking of a woman supposed to be pregnant, it is common to say, I believe _Mr. Knap_ is _concerned_, meaning that she has _knap’d_.

KNAPPING A JACOB FROM A DANNA-DRAG. This is a curious species of robbery, or rather borrowing without leave, for the purpose of robbery; it signifies taking away the short ladder from a nightman’s cart, while the men are gone into a house, the privy of which they are employed emptying, in order to effect an ascent to a one-pair-of-stairs window, to scale a garden-wall, _&c._, after which the ladder, of course, is left to rejoin its master as it.

KNIFE IT. _See_ CHEESE IT.

KNUCK, KNUCKLER, or KNUCKLING-COVE, a pickpocket, or person professed in the _knuckling_ art.

KNUCKLE, to pick pockets, but chiefly applied to the more refined branch of that art, namely, extracting notes, loose cash, _&c._, from the waistcoat or breeches pockets, whereas _buzzing_ is used in a more general sense. _See_ BUZ.

L

LAG, to transport for seven years or upwards.

LAG, a convict under sentence of transportation.

LAG, to make water. To _lag_ spirits, wine, _&c._, is to adulterate them with water.

LAGGER, a sailor.

LAGGING-DUES, speaking of a person likely to be transported, they say _lagging dues_ will be _concerned_.

LAGGING MATTER, any species of crime for which a person is liable on conviction to be transported.

LAG SHIP, a transport chartered by Government for the conveyance of convicts to New South Wales; also, a hulk, or floating prison, in which, to the disgrace of humanity, many hundreds of these unhappy persons are confined, and suffer every complication of human misery.

LAMPS, the eyes; to have _queer lamps_, is to have sore or weak eyes.

LARK, fun or sport of any kind, to create which is termed _knocking up a lark_.

LAWN, a white cambric handkerchief.

LEARY, synonymous with _fly_.

LEARY-COVE. _See_ FLY.

LEATHER-LANE, any thing paltry, or of a bad quality, is called _a Leather-lane concern_.

LETTER Q, the _mace_, or _billiard-slum_, is sometimes called _going upon the Q_, or _the letter Q_, alluding to an instrument used in playing billiards.

LETTER-RACKET, going about to respectable houses with a letter or statement, detailing some case of extreme distress, as shipwreck, sufferings by fire, _&c._; by which many benevolent, but credulous, persons, are induced to relieve the fictitious wants of the impostors, who are generally men, or women, of genteel address, and unfold a plausible tale of affliction.

LEVANTING, or RUNNING A LEVANT, an expedient practised by broken gamesters to retrieve themselves, and signifies to bet money at a race, cock-match, _&c._, without a shilling in their pocket to answer the event. The punishment for this conduct in a public cockpit is rather curious; the offender is placed in a large basket, kept on purpose, which is then hoisted up to the ceiling or roof of the building, and the party is there kept suspended, and exposed to derision during the pleasure of the company.

LIFE, by this term is meant the various cheats and deceptions practised by the designing part of mankind; a person well versed in this kind of knowledge, is said to be one that knows _life_; in other words, that knows the world. This is what Goldsmith defines to be a knowledge of human nature on the wrong side.

LIGHT, to inform of any robbery, _&c._, which has been some time executed and concealed, is termed _bringing the affair to light_; to produce any thing to view, or to give up any stolen property for the sake of a reward, to quash a prosecution, is also called _bringing_ it _to light_. A thief, urging his associates to a division of any booty they have lately made, will desire them to _bring the swag to light_.

LILL, a pocket-book.

LINE, to _get_ a person _in a line_, or _in a string_, is to engage them in a conversation, while your confederate is robbing their person or premises; to banter or jest with a man by amusing him with false assurances or professions, is also termed _stringing_ him, or _getting_ him _in tow_; to keep any body in suspense on any subject without coming to a decision, is called _keeping_ him _in tow_, _in a string_, or _in a tow-line_. To _cut the line_, or _the string_, is to put an end to the suspense in which you have kept any one, by telling him the plain truth, coming to a final decision, _&c._ A person, who has been telling another a long story, until he is tired, or conceives his auditor has been all the while secretly laughing at him, will say at last, I’ve just _dropped down_, you’ve had me in a fine _string_, I think it’s time to _cut_ it. On the other hand, the auditor, having the same opinion on his part, would say, Come, I believe you want to _string_ me all night, I wish you’d _cut it_; meaning, conclude the story at once.

LOB, a till, or money-drawer. To have _made a good lob_, is synonymous with _making a good speak_.

LOCK-UP-CHOVEY, a covered cart, in which travelling hawkers convey their goods about the country, and which is secured by a door, lock, and key.

LODGING-SLUM, the practice of hiring ready-furnished lodgings, and stripping them of the plate, linen, and other valuables.

LOOK AT A PLACE, when a plan is laid for robbing a house, _&c._, _upon the crack_, or _the screw_, the parties will go a short time before the execution, to examine the premises, and make any necessary observations; this is called _looking at the place_.

LOUR, money.

LUMBER, a room.

LUMBER, to _lumber_ any property, is to deposit it at a pawnbroker’s, or elsewhere for present security; to retire to any house or private place, for a short time, is called _lumbering yourself_. A man apprehended, and sent to gaol, is said to be _lumbered_, to be _in lumber_, or to be _in Lombard-street_.

LUSH, to drink; speaking of a person who is drunk, they say, _Alderman Lushington is concerned_, or, he has been _voting for the Alderman_.

LUSH, beer or liquor of any kind.

LUSH-CRIB, or LUSH-KEN, a public-house, or gin-shop.

LUSH, or LUSHY, drunk, intoxicated.

LUSHY-COVE, a drunken man.

M

MACE, to _mace_ a shopkeeper, or _give it to_ him _upon the mace_, is to obtain goods on credit, which you never mean to pay for; to run up a score with the same intention, or to spunge upon your acquaintance, by continually begging or borrowing from them, is termed _maceing_, or _striking the mace_.

MACE-GLOAK, a man who lives _upon the mace_.

MAG, a halfpenny.

MANCHESTER, the tongue.

MANG, to speak or talk.

MAULEY, the hand.

MAX, gin or hollands.

MILESTONE, a country booby.

MILL, to fight. To _mill_ a person is to beat him.

MILL A GLAZE, to break a window.

MILL-DOLL, an obsolete name for Bridewell house of correction, in Bridge-street, Blackfriars, London.

MILLING-COVE, a pugilist.

MITTS, gloves.

MITTENS, the hands.

MIZZLE, to quit or go away from any place or company; to elope, or run away.

MOLLISHER, a woman.

MONKEY, a padlock.

MONKERY, the country parts of England are called _The Monkery_.

MONTRA, a watch.

MORNING-SNEAK, going out early to rob private houses or shops by slipping in at the door unperceived, while the servant or shopman is employed in cleaning the steps, windows, _&c._

MOTT, a _blowen_, or woman of the town.

MOUNT, to swear, or give evidence falsely for the sake of a gratuity. To _mount for_ a person is also synonymous with _bonnetting for_ him.

MOUNTER, a man who lives by _mounting_, or perjury, who is always ready for a guinea or two to swear whatever is proposed to him.

MOUTH, a foolish silly person; a man who does a very imprudent act, is said to be _a rank mouth_.

MOVE, any action or operation in life; the secret spring by which any project is conducted, as, There is _move_ in that business which you are not _down to_. To be _flash to every move upon the board_, is to have a general knowledge of the world, and all its numerous deceptions.

MR. KNAP. _See_ KNAP.

MR. NASH. _See_ NASH.

MR. PALMER. _See_ PALM.

MR. PULLEN. _See_ PULL or PULL UP.

MUFF, an epithet synonymous with _mouth_.

MUG, the face; a _queer mug_ is an ugly face.

MURPHY’s COUNTENANCE, a pig’s face.

MYNABS, me, myself.

N

NAIL, to _nail_ a person, is to over-reach, or take advantage of him in the course of trade or traffic; also, to rob, or steal; as, I _nail’d_ him _for_ (or _of_) his _reader_, I robbed him of his pocket-book; I _nail’d the swell’s montra in the push_, I picked the gentleman’s pocket of his watch in the crowd, _&c._ A person of an over-reaching, imposing disposition, is called a _nail_, a _dead nail_, a _nailing_ rascal, a _rank needle_, or a _needle pointer_.

NANCY, the posteriors.

NAP the BIB, to cry; as, the _mollisher nap’d_ her _bib_, the woman fell a crying.

NASH, to go away from, or quit, any place or company; speaking of a person who is gone, they say, he is _nash’d_, or _Mr. Nash is concerned_.

NE-DASH, nothing.

NEEDLE, (_see_ NAIL) to _needle_ a person, is to haggle with him in making a bargain, and, if possible, take advantage of him, though in the most trifling article.

NEEDLE-POINTER. _See_ NAIL.

NEEDY-MIZZLER, a poor ragged object of either sex; a shabby-looking person.

NIB, a gentleman, or person of the higher order. People who affect gentility or consequence, without any real pretensions thereto, are from hence vulgarly called _Half-nibs_ or _Half-swells_; and, indeed, persons of low minds, who conceive money to be the only criterion of gentility, are too apt to stigmatize with the before-mentioned epithets any man, who, however well-bred and educated, may be reduced to a shabby external, but still preserves a sense of decorum in his manners, and avoids associating with the vagabonds among whom he may unfortunately be doomed to exist.

NIBB’D, taken in custody.

NIBBLE, to pilfer trifling articles, not having spirit to touch any thing of consequence.

NIBBLER, a pilferer or petty thief.

NIX, or NIX MY DOLL, nothing.

NOB IT, to act with such prudence and knowledge of the world, as to prosper and become independent without any labour or bodily exertion; this is termed _nobbing it_, or _fighting nob work_. To effect any purpose, or obtain any thing, by means of good judgment and sagacity, is called _nobbing it for_ such a thing.

NOB-PITCHERS, a general term for those sharpers who attend at fairs, races, _&c._, to take in the _flats_ at prick in the garter, cups and balls, and other similar artifices.

NO DOWN. _See_ FAKE AWAY, _&c._

NOSE, a thief who becomes an evidence against his accomplices; also, a person who seeing one or more suspicious characters in the streets, makes a point of watching them in order to frustrate any attempt they may make, or to cause their apprehension; also, a spy or informer of any description.

NOSE, to _nose_, is to pry into any person’s proceedings in an impertinent manner. To _nose upon_ any one, is to tell of any thing he has said or done with a view to injure him, or to benefit yourself.

NULLING-COVE, a pugilist.

NUT, to please a person by any little act of assiduity, by a present, or by flattering words, is called _nutting_ him; as the present, _&c._, by which you have gratified them, is termed a _nut_.

NUTS UPON IT, to be very much pleased or gratified with any object, adventure, or overture; so a person who conceives a strong inclination for another of the opposite sex, is said to be quite _nutty_, or _nuts upon_ him or her.

NUTS UPON YOURSELF, a man who is much gratified with any bargain he has made, narrow escape he has had, or other event in which he is interested, will express his self-satisfaction or gladness by declaring that he is, or was, quite _nuts upon himself_.

O

OFFICE, a hint, signal, or private intimation, from one person to another; this is termed _officeing_ him, or _giving_ him _the office_; to _take the office_, is to understand and profit by the hint given.

OLD LAG, a man or woman who has been transported, is so called on returning home, by those who are acquainted with the secret. _See_ LAG.

OLIVER, the moon.

OLIVER IS IN TOWN, a phrase signifying that the nights are moonlight, and consequently unfavourable to depredation.

OLIVER’S UP, the moon has risen.

OLIVER WHIDDLES, the moon shines.

ONE UPON YOUR TAW, a person who takes offence at the conduct of another, or conceives himself injured by the latter, will say, never mind, I’ll be _one upon your taw_; or, I’ll be _a marble on your taw_; meaning, I’ll be even with you some time.

ONION, a watch-seal, a _bunch of onions_, is several seals worn upon one ring.

ORDER-RACKET, obtaining goods from a shopkeeper, by means of a forged order or false pretence.

OUT-AND-OUT, quite; completely; effectually. _See_ SERVE and FAKE.

OUT-AND-OUTER, a person of a resolute determined spirit, who pursues his object without regard to danger or difficulties; also an incorrigible depredator, who will rob friend or stranger indiscriminately, being possessed of neither honour nor principle.

OUT OF FLASH. _See_ FLASH.

OUT OF THE WAY, a thief who knows that he is sought after by the _traps_ on some information, and consequently goes out of town, or otherwise conceals himself, is said by his _palls_ to be _out of the way for_ so and so, naming the particular offence he stands charged with. _See_ WANTED.

OUT OF TWIG, to _put_ yourself _out of twig_, is to disguise your dress and appearance, to avoid being recognised, on some particular account; a man reduced by poverty to wear a shabby dress is said by his acquaintance to be _out of twig_; to _put_ any article _out of twig_, as a stolen coat, cloak, _&c._, is to alter it in such a way that it cannot be identified.

P

PALL, a partner; companion; associate; or accomplice.

PALM, to bribe, or give money, for the attainment of any object or indulgence; and it is then said that the party who receives it is _palmed_, or that _Mr. Palmer is concerned_.

PALMING-RACKET, secreting money in the palm of the hand, a _game_ at which some are very expert.

PANNY, a house.

PANNUM, bread.

PARK. _See_ BUSHY-PARK.

PATTER, to talk; as, _He patters good flash_, _&c._

PATTER’D, tried in a court of justice; a man who has undergone this ordeal, is said to have _stood the patter_.

PEAR-MAKING, inlisting in various regiments, taking the bounty, and then deserting.

PENSIONER, a mean-spirited fellow who lives with a woman of the town, and suffers her to maintain him in idleness in the character of her _fancy-man_.

PETER, a parcel or bundle, whether large or small; but most properly it signifies a trunk or box.

PETER-HUNTING, traversing the streets or roads for the purpose of cutting away trunks, _&c._, from travelling carriages; persons who follow this _game_, are from thence called _peter-hunters_, whereas _the drag_ more properly applies to robbing carts or waggons.

PETER-HUNTING-JEMMY, a small iron crow, particularly adapted for breaking the patent chain, with which the luggage is of late years secured to gentlemen’s carriages; and which, being of steel, case-hardened, is fallaciously supposed to be proof against the attempts of thieves.

PETER-THAT, synonymous with _Stow-that_.

PICK-UP, to accost, or enter into conversation with any person, for the purpose of executing some design upon his personal property; thus, among gamblers, it is called _picking up a flat_, or _a mouth_: sharpers, who are daily on the look-out for some unwary countryman or stranger, use the same phrase; and among _drop-coves_, and others who act in concert, this task is allotted to one of the gang, duly qualified, who is thence termed _the picker-up_; and he having performed his part, his associates proceed systematically in _cleaning out the flat_. To _pick up a cull_, is a term used by _blowens_ in their vocation of street-walking. To _pick_ a person _up_, in a general sense, is to impose upon, or take advantage of him, in a contract or bargain.

PIGS, or GRUNTERS, police runners.

PINS, the legs.

PINCH, to purloin small articles of value in the shops of jewellers, _&c._, while pretending to purchase or bespeak some trinket. This _game_ is called _the pinch_—I _pinch’d_ him _for_ a _fawney_, signifies I purloined a ring from him; Did you _pinch_ any thing in that _crib_? did you succeed in secreting any thing in that shop? This _game_ is a branch of shop-lifting; but when _the hoist_ is spoken of, it commonly applies to stealing articles of a larger, though less valuable, kind, as pieces of muslin, or silk handkerchiefs, printed cotton, _&c._ _See_ HOIST.

PINCH-GLOAK, a man who _works upon the pinch_.

PIPES, boots.

PIT, the bosom pocket in a coat.

PIT-MAN, a pocket-book worn in the bosom-pocket.

PITCHER. Newgate in London is called by various names, as _the pitcher_, _the stone pitcher_, _the start_, and _the stone jug_, according to the humour of the speaker.

PLANT. To hide, or conceal any person or thing, is termed _planting_ him, or it; and any thing hid is called, _the plant_, when alluded to in conversation; such article is said to be _in plant_; the place of concealment is sometimes called _the plant_, as, I know of a fine _plant_; that is, a secure hiding-place. To _spring a plant_, is to find any thing that has been concealed by another. To _rise the plant_, is to take up and remove any thing that has been hid, whether by yourself or another. A person’s money, or valuables, secreted about his house, or person, is called his _plant_. To _plant upon_ a man, is to set somebody to watch his motions; also to place any thing purposely in his way, that he may steal it and be immediately detected.

PLAY ACROSS. What is commonly termed playing booty, that is, purposely losing the game, or match, in order to take in the _flats_ who have backed you, (_see_ BRIDGE) while the _sharps_ divide the spoil, in which you have a share. This sort of treachery extends to boxing, racing, and every other species of sport, on which bets are laid; sometimes a sham match is made for the purpose of inducing strangers to bet, which is decided in such a manner that the latter will inevitably lose. _Across_ signifies generally any collusion or unfair dealing between several parties.

PLUMMY. Right; very good; as it should be; expressing your approbation of any act, or event, you will say, _That’s plummy_, or _It’s all plummy_; meaning it is all right.

POGUE. A bag, (probably a corruption of poke.)

POPS. Pistols; an obsolete term.

POST, or POST THE PONEY. To stake, or lay down the money, as on laying a bet, or concluding a bargain.

POUNDABLE. Any event which is considered certain or inevitable, is declared to be _poundable_, as the issue of a game, the success of a bet, _&c._

POUND IT. To ensure or make a certainty of any thing; thus, a man will say, I’ll _pound it_ to be so; taken, probably from the custom of laying, or rather offering ten pounds to a crown at a cock-match, in which case, if no person takes this extravagant odds, the battle is at an end. This is termed pounding a cock.

PRAD. A horse.

PRADBACK. Horseback.

PRIG. A thief.

PRIG. To steal; to _go out a-prigging_, is to go a-thieving.

PRIME. In a general sense, synonymous with _plummy_; any thing very good of its kind, is called _a prime article_. Any thing executed in a stylish or masterly manner, is said to be done _in prime twig_. _See_ FAKEMENT, and GAMMON THE TWELVE.

PULL. An important advantage possessed by one party over another; as in gaming, you may by some slight, unknown to your adversary, or by a knowledge of the cards, _&c._, have the odds of winning considerably on your side; you are then said to have a great _pull_. To have the power of injuring a person, by the knowledge of any thing erroneous in his conduct, which leaves his character or personal safety at your mercy, is also termed having _a pull upon him_, that is (to use a vulgar phrase) that you have him under your thumb. A person speaking of any intricate affair, or feat of ingenuity, which he cannot comprehend, will say, There is some _pull_ at the bottom of it, that I’m not _fly to_.

PULL, or PULL UP, to accost; stop; apprehend; or take into custody; as to pull up a _Jack_, is to stop a post-chaise on the highway. To _pull_ a man, or have him _pulled_, is to cause his apprehension for some offence; and it is then said, that _Mr. Pullen is concerned_.

PULLED, PULLED UP, or IN PULL. Taken in custody; in confinement.

PUSH, a crowd or concourse of people, either in the streets, or at any public place of amusement, _&c._, when any particular scene of crowding is alluded to, they say, _the push_, as _the push_, at the _spell_ doors; _the push_ at the _stooping-match_, _&c._

PUT DOWN. _See_ DOWN.

PUT FLASH. _See_ FLASH.

PUT FLY. _See_ FLY.

PUT UP, to suggest to another, the means of committing a depredation, or effecting any other business, is termed, _putting_ him _up to_ it.

PUT UP AFFAIR, any preconcerted plan or scheme to effect a robbery, _&c._, undertaken at the suggestion of another person, who possessing a knowledge of the premises, is competent to advise the principal how best to proceed.

PUTTER UP, the projector or planner of a _put-up affair_, as a servant in a gentleman’s family, who proposes to a gang of housebreakers the robbery of his master’s house, and informs them where the plate, _&c._, is deposited, (instances of which are frequent in London) is termed the _putter up_, and usually shares equally in the booty with the parties executing, although the former may lie dormant, and take no part in the actual commission of the fact.

PUZZLING-STICKS, the triangles to which culprits are tied up, for the purpose of undergoing flagellation.

Q

Q. _See_ LETTER Q.

QUEER, bad; counterfeit; false; unwell in health.

QUEER, or QUEER-BIT, base money.

QUEER SCREENS, forged Bank-notes.

QUEER IT, to spoil it, which see.

QUEER-BAIL, Persons of no repute, hired to bail a prisoner in any bailable case; these men are to be had in London for a trifling sum, and are called _Broomsticks_.

QUID, a guinea.

QUOD, a gaol. To _quod_ a person is to send him to gaol. _In quod_, is in gaol.

QUOD-COVE, the keeper of a gaol.

QUODDING-DUES. _See_ DUES.

R

RACKET, some particular kinds of fraud and robbery are so termed, when called by their _flash_ titles, and others _Rig_; as, _the Letter-racket_, _the Order-racket_; _the Kid-rig_; _the Cat and Kitten-rig_, _&c._, but all these terms depend upon the fancy of the speaker. In fact, any _game_ may be termed a _rig_, _racket_, _suit_, _slum_, _&c._, by prefixing thereto the particular branch of depredation or fraud in question, many examples of which occur in this work.

RAG, money.

RAG-GORGY, a rich or monied man, but generally used in conversation when a particular gentleman, or person high in office, is hinted at; instead of mentioning his name, they say, _the Rag-gorgy_, knowing themselves to be understood by those they are addressing. _See_ COVE, and SWELL.

RAMP, to rob any person or place by open violence or suddenly snatching at something and running off with it, as, I _ramp’d_ him of his _montra_; why did you not _ramp_ his _castor_? _&c._ A man convicted of this offence, is said to have been _done_ for a _ramp_. This audacious _game_, is called by _prigs_, _the ramp_, and is nearly similar to the RUSH, which see.

RANK, complete; absolute, downright, an emphatical manner of describing persons or characters, as _a rank nose_, _a rank swell_, _&c._ _&c._

RATTLER, a coach.

READER, a pocket-book.

READER-HUNTERS. _See_ DUMMY-HUNTERS.

REGULARS, one’s due share of a booty, _&c._ on a division taking place. Give me my _regulars_, that is, give me my dividend.

REIGN, the length or continuance of a man’s career in a system of wickedness, which when he is ultimately _bowled out_, is said to have been a long, or a short _reign_, according to its duration.

RESURRECTION-COVE, a stealer of dead bodies.

RIBBAND, money in general.

RIDGE, gold, whether in coin or any other shape, as a _ridge-montra_, a gold watch; a _cly_-full of _ridge_, a pocket full of gold.

RIG. _See_ RACKET.

RINGING, or RINGING-IN, to _ring_ is to exchange; _ringing the changes_, is a fraud practised by _smashers_, who when they receive good money in change of a guinea, _&c._, _ring-in_ one or more pieces of base with great dexterity, and then request the party to change them.

RINGING CASTORS, signifies frequenting churches and other public assemblies, for the purpose of changing hats, by taking away a good, and leaving a shabby one in its place; a petty _game_ now seldom practised.

RISE THE PLANT. _See_ PLANT.

ROCK’D, superannuated, forgetful, absent in mind; _old lags_ are commonly said to be thus affected, probably caused by the sufferings they have undergone.

ROLLERS, horse and foot patrole, who parade the roads round about London during the night, for the prevention of robberies.

ROMANY, a gypsy; to _patter romany_, is to talk the gypsy _flash_.

ROOK, a small iron crow.

ROUGH-FAM, or ROUGH-FAMMY, the waistcoat pocket.

ROW IN THE BOAT, to go snacks, or have a share in the benefit arising from any transaction to which you are privy. To let a person _row_ with you, is to admit him to a share.

RUFFLES. Handcuffs.

RUGGINS’S, to go to bed, is called going to Ruggins’s.

RUM, good, in opposition to _queer_.

RUMBLE-TUMBLE, a stage-coach.

RUMP’D, flogged or scourged.

RUMPUS, a masquerade.

RUSH, _the rush_, is nearly synonymous with _the ramp_; but the latter often applies to snatching at a single article, as a silk cloak, for instance, from a milliner’s shop-door; whereas _a rush_ may signify a forcible entry by several men into a detached dwelling-house for the purpose of robbing its owners of their money, _&c._ A sudden and violent effort to get into any place, or _vice versâ_ to effect your exit, as from a place of confinement, _&c._, is called _rushing them_, or _giving it to ’em upon the rush_.

RUSSIAN COFFEE-HOUSE, a name given by some punster of _the family_, to the Brown Bear public-house in Bow-street, Covent-garden.

S

SACK, a pocket; to _sack_ any thing is to pocket it.

SALT-BOXES, the condemned cells in Newgate are so called.

SALT-BOX-CLY, the outside coat-pocket, with a flap.

SAND, moist sugar.

SAWNEY, bacon.

SCAMP, the _game_ of highway robbery is called _the scamp_. To _scamp_ a person is to rob him on the highway. _Done for a scamp_ signifies convicted of a highway robbery.

SCAMP, or SCAMPSMAN, a highwayman.

SCHOOL, a party of persons met together for the purpose of gambling.

SCOT, a person of an irritable temper, who is easily put in a passion, which is often done by the company he is with, to create fun; such a one is declared to be a fine _scot_. This diversion is called _getting_ him _out_, or _getting_ him _round the corner_, from these terms being used by _bull-hankers_, with whom also a _scot_ is a bullock of a particular breed, which affords superior diversion when hunted.

SCOTTISH, fiery, irritable, easily provoked.

SCOUT, a watchman.

SCOUT-KEN, a watch-house.

SCRAG’D, hang’d.

SCRAGGING-POST, the gallows.

SCREEN, a bank-note.

SCREEVE, a letter, or written paper.

SCREW, a skeleton or false key. To _screw_ a place is to enter it by false keys; this _game_ is called _the screw_. Any robbery effected by such means is termed _a screw_.

SCREWSMAN, a thief who _goes out a screwing_.

SCURF’D, taken in custody.

SEEDY, poor, ragged in appearance, shabby.

SELL, to _sell_ a man is to betray him, by giving information against him, or otherwise to injure him clandestinely for the sake of interest, nearly the same as _bridgeing_ him. (_See_ BRIDGE.) A man who falls a victim to any treachery of this kind, is said to have been _sold like a bullock in Smithfield_.

SERVE, to _serve_ a person, or place, is to rob them; as, I _serv’d_ him _for_ his _thimble_, I rob’d him of his watch; that _crib_ has been _served_ before, that shop has been already robbed, _&c._ To serve a man, also sometimes signifies to maim, wound, or do him some bodily hurt; and to _serve_ him _out and out_, is to kill him.

SHAKE, to steal, or rob; as, I _shook_ a chest of _slop_, I stole a chest of tea; I’ve been _shook_ of my _skin_, I have been robbed of my purse. A thief, whose _pall_ has been into any place for the purpose of robbery, will say on his coming out, Well, is it all right, have you _shook_? meaning, did you succeed in getting any thing? When two persons rob in company, it is generally the province, or part, of one to _shake_, (that is, obtain _the swagg_), and the other to carry, (that is, bear it to a place of safety).

SHALLOW, a hat.

SHAN, counterfeit money in general.

SHARP, a gambler, or person, professed in all the arts of play; a cheat, or swindler; any _cross-cove_, in general, is called _a sharp_, in opposition to _a flat_, or _square-cove_; but this is only in a comparative sense in the course of conversation.

SHARPING, swindling and cheating in all their various forms, including the arts of fraud at play.

SHIFTER, an alarm, or intimation, given by a thief to his _pall_, signifying that there is _a down_, or that some one is approaching, and that he had, therefore, better desist from what he is about.

SHINER, a looking-glass.

SHOOK, synonymous with _rock’d_.

SHOVE-UP, nothing.

SHUTTER-RACKET, the practice of robbing houses, or shops, by boring a hole in the window shutter, and taking out a pane of glass.

SINGLE-HANDED, robbery by yourself, without a _pall_.

SIR SYDNEY, a clasp knife.

SKIN, a purse, or money bag.

SKIN, to strip a man of all his money at play, is termed _skinning_ him.

SLANG, a watch chain, a chain of any kind; also a warrant, license to travel, or other official instrument.

SLANG, to defraud a person of any part of his due, is called _slanging_ him; also to cheat by false weights or measures, or other unfair means.

SLANG WEIGHTS, or MEASURES, unjust, or defective ones.

SLANGING-DUES, when a man suspects that he has been curtailed, or cheated, of any portion of his just right, he will say, there has been _slanging-dues concerned_.

SLANG’D, fettered.

SLANGS, fetters, or chains of any kind used about prisoners; _body-slangs_ are body-irons used on some occasions.

SLAVEY, a servant of either sex.

SLIP, the slash pocket in the skirt of a coat behind.

SLOP, tea.

SLOP-FEEDER, a tea-spoon.

SLOUR, to lock, secure, or fasten; to _slour up_ is also to button up; as one’s coat, pocket, _&c._

SLOUR’D, or SLOUR’D UP, locked, fastened, buttoned, _&c._

SLUM, a room.

SLUM. _See_ RACKET _and_ LODGING-SLUM.

SLY. Any business transacted, or intimation given, privately, or under the rose, is said to be _done upon the sly_.

SMASHER, a man or woman who follows the _game_ of _smashing_.

SMASHING, uttering counterfeit money; _smashing_ of _queer screens_, signifies uttering forged bank notes. To _smash_ a guinea, note, or other money, is, in a common sense, to procure, or give, change for it.

SMISH, a shirt.

SMUT, a copper boiler, or furnace.

SNEAK. _The sneak_ is the practice of robbing houses or shops, by slipping in unperceived, and taking whatever may lay most convenient; this is commonly the first branch of thieving, in which young boys are initiated, who, from their size and activity, appear well adapted for it. To _sneak_ a place, is to rob it _upon the sneak_. A _sneak_ is a robbery effected in the above manner. One or more prisoners having escaped from their confinement by stealth, without using any violence, or alarming their keepers, are said to have _sneak’d ’em_, or _given it to ’em upon the sneak_. _See_ RUSH.

SNEAKSMAN, a man or boy _who goes upon the sneak_.

SNEEZER, or SNEEZING-COFER, a snuff-box.

SNITCH; to impeach, or betray your accomplices, is termed _snitching upon_ them. A person who becomes king’s evidence on such an occasion, is said to have turned _snitch_; an informer, or tale-bearer, in general, is called a _snitch_, or a _snitching_ rascal, in which sense _snitching_ is synonymous with _nosing_, or _coming it_.

SNIPES, scissors.

SNIV, an expression synonymous with _bender_, and used in the same manner.

SNOW, clean linen from the washerwoman’s hands, whether it be wet or dry, is termed _snow_.

SNOOZE, to sleep; _a snooze_ sometimes means a lodging; as, Where can I get a _snooze_ for this _darky_ instead of saying a bed.

SNUFFING, going into a shop on some pretence, watching an opportunity to throw a handful of snuff in the eyes of the shopkeeper, and then running off with any valuable article you can lay hands on; this is called _snuffing_ him, or _giving it to him upon the snuff racket_.

SOLD. _See_ SELL.

SOUND, to _sound_ a person, means generally to draw from him, in an artful manner, any particulars you want to be acquainted with; as, to _sound_ a _kid_, porter, _&c._ is to pump out of him the purport of his errand, the contents of his bundle, or load, _&c._, that your _pall_ may know how to accost him, in order to _draw the swag_. _See_ DRAW _and_ KID-RIG. To _sound a cly_, is to touch a person’s pocket gently on the outside, in order to ascertain the nature of its contents.

SPANGLE, a seven-shilling piece.

SPANK, to _spank a glaze_, is to break a pane of glass in a shop window, and make a sudden snatch at some article of value within your reach, having previously tied the shop-door with a strong cord on the outside, so as to prevent the shopman from getting out, till you have had full time to escape with your booty; to _spank_ a place, is to rob it _upon the spank_; _a spank_ is a robbery effected by the above means.

SPEAK, committing any robbery, is called _making a speak_; and if it has been productive, you are said to have _made a rum speak_.

SPEAK TO, to _speak to_ a person or place is to rob them, and to _speak to_ any article, is to steal it; as, I _spoke to the cove for his montra_; I robb’d the gentleman of his watch. I _spoke to_ that _crib for_ all the _wedge_; I robb’d that house of all the plate. I _spoke to_ a chest of _slop_; I stole a chest of tea. A thief will say to his _pall_ who has been attempting any robbery, “Well, did you _speak_? or, have you _spoke_?” meaning, did you get any thing?

SPELL, the play-house.

SPICE, _the spice_ is the _game_ of footpad robbery; describing an exploit of this nature; a rogue will say, I _spiced_ a _swell of_ so much, naming the booty obtained. _A spice_ is a footpad robbery.

SPICE GLOAK, a footpad robber.

SPIN A YARN. _See_ YARN.

SPLIT, to _split upon_ a person, or _turn split_, is synonymous with _nosing_, _snitching_, or _turning nose_. To _split_ signifies generally to tell of any thing you hear, or see transacted.

SPOIL IT, to throw some obstacle in the way of any project or undertaking, so as to cause its failure, is termed _spoiling it_. In like manner, to prevent another person from succeeding in his object, either by a wilful obstruction, or by some act of imprudence on your part, subjects you to the charge of having _spoiled him_. Speaking of some particular species of fraud or robbery, which after a long series of success, is now become stale or impracticable from the public being guarded against it, _the family_ will say, that _game_ is _spoiled_ at last. So having attempted the robbery of any particular house or shop, and by miscarrying caused such an alarm as to render a second attempt dangerous or impolitic, they will say, that place is _spoil’d_, it is useless to _try it on_ any more.

SPOKE TO, alluding to any person or place that has been already robbed, they say, that place, or person, has been _spoke to_ before. A _family man_ on discovering that he has been robbed, will exclaim, I have been _spoke to_; and perhaps will add, _for_ such a thing, naming what he has lost. _Spoke to upon the screw_, _crack_, _sneak_, _hoist_, _buz_, _&c._ _&c._, means robbed _upon_ either of those particular _suits_ or _games_. Upon any great misfortune befalling a man, as being apprehended on a very serious charge, receiving a wound supposed to be mortal, _&c._, his friends will say, Poor fellow, I believe he’s _spoke to_, meaning it is all over with him.

SPOONY, foolish, half-witted, nonsensical; a man who has been drinking till he becomes disgusting by his very ridiculous behaviour, is said to be _spoony_ drunk; and, from hence it is usual to call a very prating shallow fellow, _a rank spoon_.

SPOUT, to pledge any property at a pawnbroker’s is termed _spouting_ it, or _shoving_ it _up the spout_.

SPREAD, butter.

SPRING THE PLANT. _See_ PLANT.

SQUARE, all fair, upright, and honest practices, are called _the square_, in opposition to _the cross_. Any thing you have bought, or acquired honestly, is termed _a square article_; and any transaction which is fairly and equitably conducted, is said to be _a square concern_. A tradesman or other person who is considered by the world to be an honest man, and who is unacquainted with _family people_, and their system of operations, is by the latter emphatically styled _a square cove_, whereas an old thief who has acquired an independence, and now confines himself to _square_ practices, is still called by his old _palls_ a _flash cove_, who has _tyed up prigging_. _See_ CROSS and FLAT. In making a bargain or contract, any overture considered to be really fair and reasonable, is declared to be _a square thing_, or to be _upon the square_. To be _upon the square_ with any person, is to have mutually settled all accompts between you both up to that moment. To threaten another that you will be _upon the square with him_ some time, signifies that you’ll be even with him for some supposed injury, _&c._

SQUARE-COVE. _See_ SQUARE.

SQUARE-CRIB, a respectable house, of good repute, whose inmates, their mode of life and connexions, are all perfectly _on the square_. _See_ CROSS-CRIB.

SQUEEZE, the neck.

STAG, to _turn stag_ was formerly synonymous with _turning nose_, or _snitching_, but the phrase is now exploded.

STAG, to _stag_ any object or person, is to look at, observe, or take notice of them.

STAINES, a man who is in pecuniary distress is said to be _at Staines_, or _at the Bush_, alluding to the Bush inn at that town. _See_ BUSH’D.

STAKE, a booty acquired by robbery, or a sum of money won at play, is called _a stake_, and if considerable, _a prime stake_, or a _heavy stake_. A person alluding to any thing difficult to be procured, or which he obtains as a great favour, and is therefore comparatively invaluable, would say, I consider it _a stake_ to get it at all; a valuable or acceptable acquisition of any kind, is emphatically called _a stake_, meaning a great prize.

STALL, a violent pressure in a crowd, made by pickpockets for the more easily effecting their depredatory purposes; this is called _making a rum stall in the push_.

STALL OFF, a term variously applied; generally it means a pretence, excuse, or prevarication—as a person charged with any fault, entering into some plausible story, to excuse himself, his hearers or accusers would say, O yes, that’s a good _stall off_, or, Aye, aye, _stall it off_ that way if you can. To extricate a person from any dilemma, or save him from disgrace, is called _stalling_ him _off_; as an accomplice of your’s being detected in a robbery, _&c._, and about to be given up to justice, you will step up as a stranger, interfere in his behalf, and either by vouching for his innocence, recommending lenity, or some other artifice, persuade his accusers to forego their intention, and let the prisoner escape; you will then boast of having _stalled him off in prime twig_. To avoid or escape any impending evil or punishment by means of artifice, submission, bribe, or otherwise, is also called _stalling_ it _off_. A man walking the streets, and passing a particular shop, or encountering a certain person, which or whom he has reasons for wishing to avoid, will say to any friend who may be with him, I wish you’d _stall_ me _off from_ that _crib_, (or _from_ that _cove_, as the case may be) meaning, walk in such a way as to cover or obscure me from notice, until we are past the shop or person in question.

STALL UP. To _stall_ a person up, (a term used by pickpockets,) is to surround him in a crowd, or violent pressure, and even sometimes in the open street, while walking along, and by violence force his arms up, and keep them in that position while others of the gang rifle his pockets at pleasure, _the cove_ being unable to help or defend himself; this is what the newspapers denominate hustling, and is universally practised at the doors of public theatres, at boxing matches, ship-launches, and other places where the general anxiety of all ranks, either to push forward, or to obtain a view of the scene before them, forms a pretext for jostling, and every other advantage which the strength or numbers of one party gives them over a weaker one, or a single person. It is not unusual for the _buz-coves_, on particular occasions, to procure a formidable squad of stout fellows of the lower class, who, though not expert at _knuckling_, render essential service by violently pushing and squeezing in the crowd, and, in the confusion excited by this conduct, the unconcerned _prigs_ reap a plentiful harvest, and the _stallers up_ are gratified with such part of the gains acquired, as the liberality of the _knuckling_ gentlemen may prompt them to bestow. This _coup de guêrre_ is termed _making a regular stall_ at such a place, naming the scene of their operations. _See_ STALL.

STAMPS, shoes.

STAND THE PATTER. _See_ PATTER’D.

STAR. _The star_ is a _game_ chiefly practised by young boys, often under ten years of age, although the offence is capital. It consists of cutting a pane of glass in a shop-window, by a peculiar operation called _starring the glaze_, which is performed very effectually by a common penknife; the depredators then take out such articles of value as lie within reach of their arm, which if they are not interrupted, sometimes includes half the contents of the window. A person convicted of this offence is said to have been _done for a star_.

START. _See_ PITCHER.

STASH. To _stash_ any practice, habit, or proceeding, signifies to put an end to, relinquish, or quash the same; thus, a thief determined to leave off his vicious courses will declare that he means to _stash_ (or _stow_) _prigging_. A man in custody for felony, will endeavour, by offering money, or other means, to induce his prosecutor’s forbearance, and compromise the matter, so as to obtain his liberation; this is called _stashing the business_. To _stash_ drinking, card-playing, or any other employment you may be engaged in, for the time present, signifies to _stow_ it, _knife_ it, _cheese_ it, or _cut_ it, which are all synonymous, that is, to desist or leave off. _See_ WANTED.

STASH IT. _See_ STOW IT, which has the same meaning.

STAUNCH, a resolute faithful associate, in whom one may place implicit confidence, is said by his _palls_ to be a _staunch_ cove.

STEAMER, a tobacco-pipe.

STEVEN, money.

STICK, a pistol.

STICKS, household furniture.

STING, to rob or defraud a person or place is called _stinging_ them, as, that _cove_ is too _fly_; he has been _stung_ before; meaning that man is upon his guard; he has already been trick’d.

STINK. When any robbery of moment has been committed, which causes much alarm, or of which much is said in the daily papers, the _family people_ will say, there is a great _stink_ about it. _See_ WANTED.

STONE-JUG; STONE-PITCHER. _See_ PITCHER.

STOOP, the pillory is called _the stoop_; to be _stoop’d_, is to be set on the pillory.

STOOPING-MATCH, the exhibition of one or more persons on the pillory. _See_ PUSH.

STOW, to _stow_ any business, employment, or mode of life, is the same as to _stash_ it, _&c._ _See_ STASH.

STOW, STOW IT; or STOW FAKING, an intimation from a thief to his _pall_, to desist from what he is about, on the occasion of some alarm, _&c._ _See_ AWAKE.

STOW, or STOW-MANGING, an intimation from one _flash-cove_ to another in a mixed company to be silent, or drop the subject, he was upon. _See_ MANG.

STOW THAT. When a person advances any assertion which his auditor believes to be false, or spoken in jest, or wishes the former to recant, the latter will say, _stow that_, if you please, or, _cheese that_; meaning don’t say so, or that’s out of the question.

STRETCH. Five or ten _stretch_, signifies five or ten yards, _&c._; so in dealing for any article, as linen, _&c._, I will give you _three hog_ a _stretch_, means, I’ll give three shillings a yard. _See_ HOG.

STRING. _See_ LINE.

STRUMMEL, the hair of the head. To get your _strummel faked in twig_, is to have your hair dressed in style.

STUBBS, nothing.