Category: History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)
Before I present the Reader, with the following Dictionary of the _Beggers_ and _Gypsies Cant_, I think it not amiss to premise a few Words concerning the _Beggers_ and _Gypsies_ themselves, by way of an Historical Account, of the Antiquity of the one, and the Universality of...
Before I present the Reader, with the following Dictionary of the _Beggers_ and _Gypsies Cant_, I think it not amiss to premise a few Words concerning the _Beggers_ and _Gypsies...
2. Part 2_Bottom_, _a Man of no Bottom_, of no Basis of Principles, or no settlement of Fortune, or of no Ground in his Art. _Let every Tub stand on it’s own Bottom_, or every one look t...
3. Part 3_Coals to Newcastle_ when the Drawer carries away any Wine in the Pot or Bottle. _To blow the Coals_, to raise differences between Parties. _He’ll carry no Coals_, not be Pissed...
4. Part 4_Edge-tools_, as Scythes, Swords, and such as are set or ground, as Razors. Knives, Scissors, Sheers, &c. to distinguish them from flat Tools and Tongs, _&c._ _’tis ill jesting...
5. Part 5_Gallant_, a very fine Man; also a Man of Metal, or a brave Fellow; also one that Courts or keeps, or is Kept by a Mistress. _Gallant a Fan_, to break it with Design, or Purpose...
6. Part 6_Jack_, c. a Farthing, a small Bowl (the mark) to throw at, an Instrument to draw on Boots, hence Jack-boots; also a Leathern Vessel to Drink out of, and an Engine to set the Sp...
7. Part 7_Masons-Word_, who ever has it, shall never want, there being a Bank at a certain Lodge in _Scotland_ for their Relief. Tis communicated with a strict Oath, and much Ceremony, (...
8. Part 8_Peckidge_, c. Meat. _Rum Peck_, c. good Eating. _The Gentry Cove tipt us rum Peck and rum Gutlers, till we were all Bowsy, and snapt all the Flickers_, the Gentleman gave us so...
9. Part 9_Refreshed_, either as the Air is with Winds, when it Blows a Fresh Gale; or artificially with the motion of Fanns, or opening the Windows to Fann a close Room; or as Wines are...
10. Part 10_Sooterkin_, a By-word upon the Dutch Women, from a Maggot, or Fancy, that their using Stoves so much, Breeds a kind of Animal in their Wombs, like a Mouse, which at their Deliv...
11. Part 11_Vamp_, c. to Pawn any thing; also a Sock. _I’ll Vamp and tip you the Gole_, c. I’ll Pawn my Cloths, but I’ll raise the Money for you. _To Vamp_, to new Dress, Licker, Refresh,...