pipe

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

n.


an obsolete word, explained inquotations.

1836. Ross, `Hobart Town Almanack,' p. 105:

«These were the days of `pipes.' Certain supposed hometruths . . . were indited in clear and legible letters on apiece of paper which was then rolled up in the form of a pipe,and being held together by twisting at one end was found at thedoor of the person intended to be instructed on its firstopening in the morning.»

1852. J. West, `History of Tasmania,' vol. i. p. 107:

«Malice or humour in the early days expressed itself in whatwere called pipes – – a ditty either taught by repetitionor circulated on scraps of paper: the offences of official menwere thus hitched into rhyme. These pipes were a substitutefor the newspaper, and the fear of satire checked thehaughtiness of power.»

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