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A form of projectile at one time much used with smooth-bore guns. It con- sisted of a large number of cast-iron bullets packed in layers between thin iron plates and then arranged m tiers (usually three), the whole being held together by an iron bolt passing through the centre of the plates. When fired the shot broke up and distributed the bullets in showers.
Great anger or resentment
The intangible and un- traceable means whereby rumours — as often as not false — are conveyed around by whisperings, etc.
A cant name used in Ireland for whiskey.
If you try to do too many things, you will fail to do any of them.
Make a desperate attempt to find a solution
"gone to GRASS," dead,—a coarse allusion to burial; absconded, or disappeared suddenly; also, gone to waste; it is said of wasted limbs that they have "gone to GRASS;" "oh, go to GRASS," a common answer to a troublesome or inquisitive person,—possibly a corruption of "go to GRACE," meaning, of course, a directly opposite fate.
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
An unmarried mother; a deserted mistress. In the United States, during the gold fever in California, it was common for an adventurer to put both his wife (termed in his absence a GRASS-WIDOW) and his children to school during his absence. Also a married woman, resident in England, whose husband is in India or the colonies.
Formerly, an unmarried woman who has had a child; but now, a wife temporarily parted from her husband; also, by extension, a divorced woman. The word has nothing to do with grace widow (a widow by courtesy). The phrase grass widower is used in the same sense.
A country fellow, a haymaker.
A waiter at a tea-garden.
Like a grave digger; up to the a-se in business, and don't know which way to turn.
To confound, to bother; "I’m GRAVELLED," i.e., perplexed or confused.—Old. Also, to prostrate, to beat to the ground.
A scratched face,—telling its tale of a drunken fall. A person subject to this is called a GRAVEL-GRINDER.
Shrimps. GRAVESEND TWINS are solid particles of sewage.
an irresistible or overwhelming force
A situation that provides easy and profitable work
Blear-eyed, one whose eyes have a running humour.
A halfpenny, with either two "heads" or two "tails"—both sides alike. They are used for cheating the unwary at "Tommy Dodd," or pitch and toss. They are often "rung in" with a victim’s own money, so that the caller of "heads" or "tails" cannot lose. Thus if A has to call, he or a confederate manages to mix the selected GRAYS with B’s tossing halfpence. There are various and almost obvious uses for them.
A person who acts between good and evil
A wife who "wears the breeches." From an old story in which the point is to show that the "GRAY MARE," the wife’s choice, "is the better horse," and by parity of reasoning that the wife is superior to the husband.
A lay impropriator, or lessee of great tithes.
Or SCOTCH GRAYS, lice. These pretty little things are called by many names, among others by those of GRAY-BACKS, and GOLD-BACKED UNS, which are popular among those who have most interest in the matter.
a person who enjoys working with machines, especially cars
A bribe, especially to speed up a process
Bribe someone to get special treatment
A minute remnant, humorously the only distinguishable remains of an antagonist after a terrific contest.
to make a process easier or smoother
to make a process or situation easier or more efficient
A mechanic.
Bribing. Sometimes called "GREASING the palm" of a man’s hand.
a small, cheap restaurant serving basic food
An expression of great excitement or shock
exceptionally good or excellent
The members were distin- guished by wearing a piece of narrow blue ribbon in the buttonhole of the coat. From this symbol the phrase Blue Ribbon Army came in time to be applied to the body of teetotallers generally, whether connected with the original society or not. In 1883 the society took the name of Gospel Temperance Union.
A proverbial saying expressive of contempt or derision for one who promises great things but never fulfils the promises.
Important events often have noticeable signs or warnings before they happen
When the exhibition closed the building was moved (1354) to Sydenham where it was re-erected with some alterations and the addition of two towers which for many years were visible for many miles around. Exhibitions, concerts, and other events took place in the Palace, which became national property in 1911. The whole building was entirely destroyed by fire in November, 1936.
No matter what our station in life, we all have some "hangers on.
At the universities, a familiar term for the final examinations for the B.A. degree; at Oxford usually shortened to Greats. Cp. LITTLE Go.
The name popularly given to the Henry Grace de Dieu, the first double- decked warship m the English navy. Built in 1512, and named after Henry VIII, she was a three-master of about 1,000 tons, carried 72 guns and sailed with a crew of 700 men. She was burned accidentally at Woolwich, in 1533.
As great as shirt and shitten a-se.
Excellent work or achievement
The five American inland seas — Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior.
English proverb; full definition pending editorial review.
A bell in York Minster, weigh- ing lOf tons, and hung in 1845.
Innovative thinkers often face strong criticism from less talented individuals
Bernard Pass with 30,000 men. A military feat as the road did not then «xist, the only track being a bridle-path.
A bell in Tom Gate Tower (see TOM GATE) at Oxford, tolled every night.
The common people, especially those considered unrefined or uncultured
Great minds think alike, tally. Shakespeare says, "It jumps with my humour" (1 Henry IV, iv, 2).
The whole British Empire, i.e. Great Britain, the Dominions and Colonies.
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Offensive and abusive language; contumely.
Modern milliner slang for an exaggerated bustle, the effect of which is generally assisted by unnaturally high-heeled boots.
An affectation in walking with the body stooped slightly forward, assumed by English women in 1868.
A covetous or voracious person.
St. Giles's Greek; the slang lingo, cant, or gibberish.