to slope

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To run away. A new but very common vulgarism.


As the officers approached, some hid themselves in their ovens, some under their beds; but a majority sloped without hats, shoes, or coats.--N. Y. Com. Adv., Nov. 3, 1845.

The instant an English mob sees two dragoons coming, they jist run like a flock of sheep afore a couple of bull-dogs, and slope off, properly skeered.--Sam Slick in England, ch. 27.

The editor of the Eagle cannot pay his board bill, and fears are entertained that he will slope without liquidating the debt.--Robb, Squatter Life.

The constables appeared with attachments; each person interested seized his own goods, while the master and clerk sloped to parts unknown.--Baltimore Patriot, July 10, 1846.

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