knock-down

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

v.


generally of a cheque. To spendriotously, usually in drink.

1869. Marcus Clarke, `Peripatetic Philosopher' (reprint),p. 80:

«Last night! went knocking round with Swizzleford and Rattlebrain. C'sino, and V'ri'tes. Such a lark! Stole two Red Boots and a Brass Hat. Knocked down thirteen notes, and went to bed as tight as a fly!»

1871. J. J. Simpson, `Recitations,' p. 9:

«Hundreds of diggers daily then were walking Melbourne town,

With their pockets fill'd with gold, which they very soon knock'd down.»

1882. A. J. Boyd, `Old Colonials,' p. 6:

«Cashed by the nearest publican, who of course never handedover a cent. A man was compelled to stay there and knock hischeque down `like a man'»

1885. H. Finch-Hatton,' Advance Australia,' p. 222:

«A system known as `knocking down one's cheque' prevails allover the unsettled parts of Australia. That is to say, a manwith a cheque, or a sum of money in his possession, hands itover to the publican, and calls for drinks for himself and hisfriends, until the publican tells him he has drunk out hischeque.»

1887. R. M. Praed, `Longleat of Kooralbyn,' c. xviii. p. 182:

«The illiterate shearer who knocks down his cheque in a spree.»

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