BIBLE OATH. Supposed by the vulgar to be more binding than an oath taken on the Testament only, as being the bigger book, and generally containing both the Old and New Testament.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
GREENWICH BARBERS. Retailers of sand from the pits at and about Greenwich, in Kent: perhaps they are styled barbers, from their constant shaving the sandbanks.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
RIBALDRY. Vulgar abusive language, such as was spoken by ribalds. Ribalds were originally mercenary soldiers who travelled about, serving any master far pay, but afterwards degenerated into a mere banditti.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
CODS. The scrotum. Also a nick name for a curate: a rude fellow meeting a curate, mistook him for the rector, and accosted him with the vulgar appellation of Bol--ks the rector, No, Sir, answered he; only Cods the curate, at your service.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
JACOBITES. Sham or collar shirts. Also partizans for the Stuart family: from the name of the abdicated king, i.e. James or Jacobus. It is said by the whigs, that God changed Jacob's name to Israel, lest the descendants of that patriarch should be called Jacobites.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
DOVE-TAIL. A species of regular answer, which fits into the subject, like the contrivance whence it takes its name: Ex. Who owns this? The dovetail is, Not you by your asking.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
RIG. Fun, game, diversion, or trick. To run one's rig upon any particular person; to make him a butt. I am up to your rig; I am a match for your tricks.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
BERMUDAS. A cant name for certain places in London, privileged against arrests, like the Mint in Southwark, Ben. Jonson. These privileges are abolished.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)