new wine in an old wineskin
Incompatible ideas or innovations in an outdated system
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
New World
America: the Eastern Hemi- sphere is called the Old World.
New Year's gifts
The giving of presents at this time was a custom among both the Greeks and the Romans, the latter calling them stretm, whence the French term etrenne (a New Year's gift). Nonius Marcellus says that Tatius, King of the Sabines, was presented with some branches of trees cut from the forest sacred to the goddess Strenia (strength), on New Year's Day, and from this incident the custom arose.
New York
The first settlements here were made on Manhattan Island by the Dutch in 1614. Manhattan Island was bought from the Indians for cloth and trinkets to the total value of about £5. Under the name of New Amster- dam it was held by the Dutch until 1644.
New York State National Guard
Sometimes called the "Empire Division." New York is called the Empire State.
newgate bird
A thief or sharper, frequently caged in Newgate.
Newgate Calendar
The term is often used as a comprehensive expression embracing crime of every sort.
newgate fashion
Two by two. Prisoners used to be conveyed to Newgate coupled together in twos.
newgate fringe
Or FRILL, the collar of beard worn under the chin; so called from its occupying the position of the rope when Jack Ketch operates. Another name for it is a TYBURN COLLAR.
newgate fringe
The hair worn under the chin, or between the chin and the neck. So called because it occupies the position of the rope when men are about to be hanged.
newgate knocker
A lock of hair twisted into a curl, worn by costermongers and persons of similar status. So called because it resembles a knocker, and the wearers were too often inmates of Newgate.
newgate solicitor
A petty fogging and roguish attorney, who attends the gaols to assist villains in evading justice.
newmarket
In tossing, when the game is "two out of three," that is, when he who gains the first two tosses wins. When the first toss is decisive, the game is termed "sudden death."
newspaperman's newspaper
a newspaper that is highly respected for its quality and integrity
newted
Very drunk.
Newtonian Philosophy
The astronomical system that in the late 17th century displaced the Copermcan (see COPERNICANISM), together with the theory of universal gravitation. So called after Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), who established the former and discovered the latter.
next door to it
Within an ace of it (see ACE); very like it; next-door neighbour to it.
next month
the month after the current one
Next of Kin
The legal term for a person's nearest relative, more especially where estate is left by an intestate.
next thing one knows
Suddenly or unexpectedly
next time
on a future occasion
next to nothing
A very little. As "It will cost next to nothing," "He eats next to nothing.
next week
the week after the current one
next year
the year after the current one
nib-cove
A gentleman. NIBSOMEST CRIBS, best or gentlemen’s houses.—Beggar’s Cant.
nibble
To take, or steal. NIBBLER, a petty thief.
nibs
An important or self-important person.
nibs
Self. His NIBS, means any one who may be referred to. As, "I told his NIBS," or "stag his NIBS." "Your NIBS," yourself.
nic
nicotine
nica
Nicaraguan.
nice and easy
Pleasantly simple or effortless
nice as pie
Very nice.
nice guy
A man who is kind and pleasant to be around
nice guys finish last
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
nicen up
To nicen.
Nicene Creed
The Creed formulated at the great Council of Nice (325). It is used in the Holy Communion Service of the Church of England, and was first adopted in the Roman Church in 1014. In the Eastern Church it was first introduced in 471, and still forms part of the Baptism Service as well as of the Eucharist.
nick
Old nick; the Devil.
nick
Or OLD NICK, the devil.—Scandinavian, KNICKAR, one of the names of Odin, as the destroying or evil principle.
nick-nack
A trifle.—Originally Cant.
Nicka-Nan Night
The night preceding Shrove Tuesday is so called in Cornwall, because bp.ys play tricks and practical jokes on that night.
nicked
Stolen.
nickel and dime
To constantly ask for or spend small amounts of money
nickel nurser
Someone extremely frugal or stingy
nickel tour
a brief and informal tour or introduction
nicknacks
Toys, baubles, or curiosities.
nickname
A name given in ridicule or contempt: from the French nom de niqne. Niqne is a movement of the head to mark a contempt for any person or thing.
nicodemused into nothing
To have one's prospects in life ruined by^ a silly name; according to the proverb, "Give a dog a bad name and hang him." U is from Sterne's Tristram Shandy (vol.
nig
The clippings of money. Nigging; clipping. Nigler, a clipper. Cant.
nigger nose
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
nigger rich
having a lot of money but lacking refinement or culture
niggling
Cutting awkwardly, trifling; also accompanying with a woman.
niggling
Trifling, or idling; taking short steps in walking.—North.
night in, night out
Happening or done every night, consistently and repeatedly
night out
An evening spent socializing or having fun outside the home
night owl
A person who is most active at night
night person
Someone who is most active or productive at night
night-hunter
A poacher.—North. Also a London prostitute. Sometimes in the latter capacity varied to night-hawk.
nightcap
A glass of "warm with" taken the last thing at night.
nightingale
A soldier who, as the term is, sings out at the halberts. It is a point of honour in some regiments, among the grenadiers, never to cry out, become nightingales, whilst under the discipline of the cat of nine tails; to avoid which, they chew a bullet.
nightman
One whose business it is to empty necessary houses in London, which is always done in the night; the operation is called a wedding. See WEDDING.