-
Shake
·- obs. ·p.p. of Shake.
II. Shake ·noun A fissure in rock or earth.
III. Shake ·noun A shook of st...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
shake
1) To shake one's elbow; to game with dice. To shake a cloth in the wind; to be hanged in chains.
2...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
shake
v. tr.
to steal. Very common Australianslang, especially amongst school-boys and bushmen. It wasori...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
Stick
·vt A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
II. Stick ·vi To cause difficulties, scruples, or h...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
to stick
To take in; to impose upon; to cheat in trade. 'I'm stuck with a counterfeit note;' 'He went to a ho...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
at
at or ast, conj. [Curtius connects the Sanscr. ati, ultra, nimis, the Gr. ἔτι, the Lat. et, and at...
A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.
-
at
at or I (rarely) ast, conj, but (introducing a contrast to what precedes).
I I. In a transition, b...
An Elementary Latin Dictionary
-
At
·prep The relations of time, age, or order; as, at ten o'clock; at twenty-one; at once; at first.
I...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
at
for by. Used in this expression, "Sales at auction."
The English say--"Sales by auction," and this ...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
Cup shake
·add. ·- A shake or fissure between the annual rings of a tree, found oftenest near the roots.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
shake-bag
A poor sneaking fellow; a man of no spirit: a term borrowed from the cock-pit.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
fair shake
A fair trade; a satisfactory bargain or exchange. A New England vulgarism.
...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
shake, to
To cast off fastenings, as
♦ To shake out a reef. To let out a reef, and enlarge the sail.
♦ To ...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
cut a stick, to
To make off clandestinely.
♦ Cut your stick, be off, or go away.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
jack at a pinch
A poor hackney parson.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
off at a tangent
Going in a hurry, or in a testy humour.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
shake out, a reef, to
See let out, a reef, to
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
Mahl-stick
·noun ·see Maul-stick.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Maul-stick
·noun A stick used by painters as a rest for the hand while working.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Message stick
·add. ·- A stick, carved with lines and dots, used, ·esp. by Australian aborigines, to convey inform...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Poking-stick
·noun A small stick or rod of steel, formerly used in adjusting the plaits of ruffs.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Stick-lac
·noun ·see the Note under <<Lac>>.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Stick-seed
·noun A plant (Echinospermum Lappula) of the Borage family, with small blue flowers and prickly nutl...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Stick-tight
·noun Beggar's ticks.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Throwing stick
·add. ·- An instrument used by various savage races for throwing a spear;
— called also throw stick...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
stick flams
A pair of gloves.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
sugar stick
The virile member.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
drafting-stick
n.
a stick used in draftingcattle.
1884. Rolf Boldrewood, `Melbourne Memories,' c. x. p. 72:
«We ...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
fire-stick
n.
name given to thelighted stick which the Australian natives frequently carryabout, when moving f...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
message-stick
n.
The aboriginals sometimescarve little blocks of wood with various marks to conveymessages. These...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
paddymelon-stick
n.
a stick used by theaborigines for knocking paddymelons (q.v.) on the head.
1851. J. Henderson, ...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
stick-caterpillar
n.
See phasmid.
...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
stick-up
v. tr.
1) The regular word for theaction of bushrangers stopping passers-by on the highway androbbi...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
throwing-stick
n.
native Australian weapon,by means of which the spear is thrown. See Woomera.
1802. G. Barringto...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
walking-stick
n.
See phasmid.
...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
whip-stick
n.
variety of dwarf Eucalypt; one of the Mallees; forming thick scrub.
1874. M. C., `Explorers,' p...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
yam-stick
n.
See quotation 1882, Tolmer.
1863. M. K. Beveridge, `Gatherings,' p. 27.
«One leg's thin as Lie...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
to cut stick
To be off, to leave immediately and go with all speed. A vulgar expression, and often heard. It is a...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
sharp stick
'He's after him with a sharp stick;' i. e. he's determined to have satisfaction, or revenge. Western...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
stick-chimney
In newly settled parts of the country, where log-houses form the first habitations of the settlers, ...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
gob-stick
A horn or wooden spoon.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
head-stick
A short round stick with a hole at each end, through which the head-rope of some triangular sails is...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
scouring-stick
See scourer
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
A
A, a, indecl. n. (sometimes joined with littera), the first letter of the Latin alphabet, correspond...
A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.
-
a
a, prep.=ab, v. ab.
...
A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.
-
A
A. a. as an abbreviation, 1 for the praenomen Aulus.
2 for Absolvo, on the voting-tablet of a jud...
An Elementary Latin Dictionary
-
A
·- Of.
II. A ·prep In; on; at; by.
III. A ·- An expletive, void of sense, to fill up the meter.
I...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A 1
·- A registry mark given by underwriters (as at Lloyd's) to ships in first-class condition. Inferior...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A-
·- A, as a prefix to English words, is derived from various sources. (1) It frequently signifies on ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A
Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, as Omega is the last. These letters occur in the text...
Easton's Bible Dictionary
-
a
As for example the word alarm, alarum, a bell, from the German lärm; but the military alarm on a dru...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
William Smith's Bible Dictionary
-
At one
·- <<Together>>.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Here-at
·adv At, or by reason of, this; as, he was offended hereat.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Strain at
Simply a misprint for "strain out" (Matt. 23:24).
...
Easton's Bible Dictionary
-
to jump at
To embrace with eagerness; as, 'I made him an offer, and he jumped at it.'
...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
at-after
afterwards. North.
...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
at anchor
The situation of a vessel riding in a road or port by her anchor.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
touching at
Stopping or anchoring at some intermediate port in the course of a voyage.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
Strain At
(So translated in the Authorized Version, but in the Revised Version "strain out," (Matthew 23:24) w...
William Smith's Bible Dictionary
-
hard at his a-se
Close after him.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
tell-tale shake
The shake of a rope from aloft to denote that it wants letting go.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
death's head upon a mop-stick
A poor miserable, emaciated fellow; one quite an otomy.
See otomy.-- He looked as pleasant as the p...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
palm, walking-stick
n.
a Queensland plant, Bacularia monostachya, F. v. M., N.O. Palmeae.So called because the stem is ...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
walking-stick palm
n.
See under palm, walking-stick.
...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
to cut one's stick
To be off, to leave immediately and go with all speed. A vulgar expression, and often heard. It is a...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
Sleep-at-noon
·noun A plant (Tragopogon pratensis) which closes its flowers at midday; a kind of goat's beard.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
(St.) Botolph at Retheresgate
See St. Botolph Billingsgate.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Aldermanbury
See Aldermanbury Conduit.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Barking
Bequest of 2/- quit rent to the conduit of Berkynke by Rob. de Conyngham, 1286 (Ct. H. Wills, I. 78)...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Bishopsgate
Near the gate inside the walls (S. 175), a little to the west (ib. 176).
Erected by Thomas Kneswort...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Dowgate
A conduit of Thames water made 1568 at the cost of the citizens, and called the Conduit upon Downgat...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Council at London
Held in 833, at which were present the Bishops and "proceribus majoribus" of all England, to take co...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
The Dolphin at Aldersgate
Described in a deed 1291, as a tenement in the parish of "St. Agnes infra Aldresgate," between the h...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
(St.) Mary at Hill
On the west side of St. Mary at Hill (Street) (P.O. Directory). In Billingsgate Ward.
Earliest ment...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
(St.) Peter at Baynardescastel
See St. Peter Paul's Wharf.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Serjeants-at-Law
A body of barristers of the highest degree, sworn to serve the King's people in their causes.
The J...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
bill at sight
To pay a bill at sight; to be ready at all times for the venereal act.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
tenant at will
One whose wife usually fetches him from the alehouse.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to be driving at
'What are you driving at?' that is, what are you about? what object have you in view? A colloquial e...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
to suit to at
To suit or fit exactly. This old English phrase is often used by ourselves in colloquial language.
...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
lieutenant-at-arms
Formerly the junior lieutenant, who, with the master-at-arms, was charged with the drilling of the s...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
master-at-arms
In former times was an officer appointed to command the police-duty of a ship, to teach the crew the...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
prisoner at large
Free to take exercise within bounds.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
surveyors at lloyd's
See lloyd's surveyors.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
A cappella
·- A time indication, equivalent to alla breve.
II. A cappella ·- In church or chapel style;
— sai...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A cheval
·add. ·- Astride; with a part on each side;
— used specif. in designating the position of an army w...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A fortiori
·- With stronger reason.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A posteriori
·- Applied to knowledge which is based upon or derived from facts through induction or experiment; i...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A priori
·- Applied to knowledge and conceptions assumed, or presupposed, as prior to experience, in order to...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A-mornings
·adv In the morning; every morning.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A-sea
·adv On the sea; at sea; toward the sea.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
A-tiptoe
·adv On tiptoe; eagerly expecting.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Due-a
·noun ·see Do-a.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Pi-a
·add. ·noun The <<Pineapple>>.
II. Pi-a ·add. ·noun Pi-a cloth or the fiber of which it is made.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Vicu-a
·noun ·Alt. of <<Vicugna>>.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
a-many
a great number, pronounced Meyny. North.
...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
a-scat
broken like an egg. Dev.
...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
a-slat
crack'd like an earthen vessel. Dev.
...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
-
a-burton
The situation of casks when they are stowed in the hold athwart ship, or in a line with the beam.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-cockbill
(see cock-bill). The anchor hangs by its ring at the cat-head, in a position for dropping.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-hull
A ship under bare poles and her helm a-lee, driving from wind and sea, stern foremost. Also a ship d...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-lee
The contrary of a-weather: the position of the helm when its tiller is borne over to the lee-side of...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-poise
Said of a vessel properly trimmed.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-starboard
The opposite to a-port.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-stay
Said of the anchor when, in heaving in, the cable forms such an angle with the surface as to appear ...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-trip
The anchor is a-trip, or a-weigh, when the purchase has just made it break ground, or raised it clea...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-wash
Reefs even with the surface. The anchor just rising to the water's edge, in heaving up.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-weather
The position of the helm when its tiller is moved to the windward side of the ship, in the direction...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
a-weigh
The anchor being a-trip, or after breaking out of the ground.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
out at heels, or out at elbows
In declining circumstances.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
earing-cringle, at the head of a sail
In sail-making it is an eye spliced in the bolt-rope, to which the much smaller head-rope is attache...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
shake in the wind, to
To bring a vessel's head so near the wind, when close-hauled, as to shiver the sails.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
(St.) Anne at the Tourhill
" Anne on the Towr Hill and Abbey of Whit Monkys " (Arnold's Chronicle, p. 247 and p. 75).
" Seynt ...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
(St.) Benedict at Castle Baynard
See St. Benet Paul's Wharf.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Cistern at Fleet Bridge
Made in 1478 by the inhabitants of Fleet Street at their own charges for the receipt of the waste wa...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Aldgate Without
"A fair water conduit, hard without the Gate" (Aldgate), erected 1535 (Stow, ed. 1603, p. 129).
One...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Fleet Bridge
A cistern or conduit for receipt of spring water made by the inhabitants of Fleet Street in 1478, bu...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at Holborn Cross
See Holborn Conduit.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
Conduit at London Wall
In London Wall by Moorgate opposite the northern end of Coleman Street, erected 1517 at the charges ...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
(St.) Mary at Hill, Street
South out of Eastcheap, at No. 28, to Lower Thames Street (P.O. Directory). In Billingsgate Ward.
E...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
(St.) Olave at Crutched Friars
See St. Olave Hart Street.
...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.
-
blocked at both ends
Finished. The game is blocked at both ends; the game is ended.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
old dog at it
Expert, accustomed.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to look blue at one
is to look at one with a countenance expressive of displeasure or dissatisfaction.
The Bishop would...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
-
ease, to stand at
To remain at rest.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
entering at custom-house
The forms required of the master of a merchant ship before her cargo can be discharged.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
good-at-all-points
Practical in every particular.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
-
mine a-se on a bandbox
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is wanted, just as a band...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
A B C
·- The simplest rudiments of any subject; as, the A B C of finance.
II. A B C ·- A primer for teach...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
All-a-mort
·adj ·see <<Alamort>>.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Black-a-vised
·adj Dark-visaged; swart.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Bric-a brac
·noun Miscellaneous curiosities and works of decorative art, considered collectively.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Char-a-bancs
·noun A long, light, open vehicle, with benches or seats running lengthwise.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Chars-a-banc
·pl of Char-a-bancs.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Cock-a-hoop
·adj Boastful; defiant; exulting. Also used adverbially.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Cornet-a-piston
·noun A brass wind instrument, like the trumpet, furnished with valves moved by small pistons or sli...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Cornets-a-piston
·pl of Cornet-a-piston.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Dos-a-dos
·add. ·noun A sofa, open carriage, or the like, so constructed that the occupants sit back to back.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Flute a bec
·- A beak flute, an older form of the flute, played with a mouthpiece resembling a beak, and held li...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Jack-a-dandy
·noun A little dandy; a little, foppish, impertinent fellow.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Jack-a-lent
·noun A small stuffed puppet to be pelted in Lent; hence, a simple fellow.
...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Penny-a-liner
·noun One who furnishes matter to public journals at so much a line; a poor writer for hire; a hack ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Pi-a cloth
·add. ·- A fine fabric for scarfs, handkerchiefs, embroidery, ·etc., woven from the fiber obtained f...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Tete-a-tete
·adj Private; confidential; familiar.
II. Tete-a-tete ·noun A short sofa intended to accomodate two...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Vis-a-vis
·adv Face to face.
II. Vis-a-vis ·noun One who, or that which, is face to face with another; ·esp.,...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Wait-a-bit
·add. ·noun The prickly ash.
II. Wait-a-bit ·add. ·noun The grapple plant.
III. Wait-a-bit ·add. ·...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Wait-a-while
·add. ·noun = Wait-a-bit.
II. Wait-a-while ·add. ·noun One of the Australian wattle trees (Acacia c...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
-
Adam, a type
The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as "the figure of him who was to come." On this account our Lord is ...
Easton's Bible Dictionary
-
all-a-mort
Struck dumb, confounded. What, sweet one, all-a-mort? SHAKESPEARE.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
black a-se
A copper or kettle. The pot calls the kettle black a-se. Cant.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to run a buck
To poll a bad vote at an election.--IRISH TERM.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
chick-a-biddy
A chicken, so called to and by little children.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
cock-a-whoop
Elevated, in high-spirits, transported with joy.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to couch a hogshead
To lie down to sleep. CANT.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to fight a crib
To make a sham fight. BEAR GARDEN TERM.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
cure a-se
A dyachilon plaister, applied to the parts galled by riding.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
dram-a-tick
A dram served upon credit.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
drop a cog
To let fall, with design, a piece of gold or silver, in order to draw in and cheat the person who se...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
firing a gun
Introducing a story by head and shoulders. A man wanting to tell a particular story, said to the com...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to fire a slug
To drink a dram.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
foxing a boot
Mending the foot by capping it.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
mumble a sparrow
A cruel sport practised at wakes and fairs, in the following manner: A cock sparrow whose wings are ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
pit-a-pat
The palpitation of the heart: as, my heart went pit-a-pat. Pintledy-pantledy; the same.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
to ring a peal
To scold; chiefly applied to women. His wife rung him a fine peal!
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
slug-a-bed
A drone, one that cannot rise in the morning.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
squint-a-pipes
A squinting man or woman; said to be born in the middle of the week, and looking both ways for Sunda...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
wear a--e
A one-horse chaise.
...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
-
bull-a-bull
or Bullybul
n.
a child'scorruption of the Maori word Poroporo (q.v.), aflowering shrub of New Zeal...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
cock-a-bully
n. a popular name for the NewZealand fish Galaxias fasciatus, Gray, a corruption ofits Maori name Ko...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
make a light
expressive pigeon-English. An aboriginal'sphrase for to look for, to find. «You been make a lightyar...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
mark, a good
Australian slang.
1845. R. Howitt, `Australia,' p. 233:
«I wondered often what was the meaning of ...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
stay-a-while
n.
a tangled bush; sometimescalled Wait-a-while (q.v.).
...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
-
wait-a-while
n.
also called Stay-a-while: a thicket tree.
1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 306:
...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
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to bear a hand
A seaman's phrase. To be ready ; to go to work; to assist.
...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to catch a tartar
To attack one of superior strength or abilities. This saying originated from the story of an Irish s...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to cut a caper
(Italian, tagliar le capriole.) The act of dancing in a frolicksome manner.--Todd. We use it also in...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to cut a dash
In modern colloquial speech, to make a great show; to make a figure.--Johnson. A fashionable or gail...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to cut a figure
To make an appearance, either good or bad.
We are not as much surprised at the poor figure cut by t...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to cut a swathe
The same as to cut a dash.
The expression is generally applied to a person walking who is gaily dre...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to deacon a calf
is to knock it in the head as soon as it is born.--Connecticut.
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Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to drive a bargain
To make a bargain. A common colloquial expression, as old as the language.
This bargain is ful dr...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to girdle a tree
In America, to make a circular incision, like a belt, through the bark and alburnum of a tree to kil...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to have a say
To express an opinion. A phrase in vulgar use.
I picked out "Henry Clay" for my baby's name, but t...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to make a raise
A vulgar expression, meaning to raise; procure; obtain.
I made a raise of a horse and saw, after be...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to raise a bead
This expression is used at the West, and means to bring to a head, to make succeed. The figure is ta...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to sky a copper
To toss up a cent.
Didge said he was like skying a copper--head or tail.--Crockett, Tour.
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Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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to trig a wheel
To stop a wheel so as to prevent its going backwards or forwards.--Bailey. Still used in New England...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
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jacket-a-wad
an ignis fatuus. Exm.
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A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
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scotch a wheel
to stop it from going backward. Lane.
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A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
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well-a-day!
alas! Various.
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A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
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cutting a feather
It is common when a ship has too broad a bow to say, "She will not cut a feather," meaning that she ...
The Sailor's Word-Book
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driving a charge
Ramming home the loading of a piece of ordnance.
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The Sailor's Word-Book
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get-a-pull
The order to haul in more of a rope or tackle.
...
The Sailor's Word-Book
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give a spell
To intermit or relieve work. (See spell.)
...
The Sailor's Word-Book