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TheVulgarTongue Bot

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Bot account posting selections from Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue”

CW: 18th-century levels of racism, homophobia, sexism, slut-shaming and negative attitudes to sex workers.

But on the other hand, someone non-judgmentally recorded the speech and codes of people on the outside of polite society, people in the demi-monde and otherwise forgotten by history.

Let me know of any problems.

#books #literature #dictionaries #history #society #crime #language #slang #18thCentury

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TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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CHARACTERED, or LETTERED. Burnt in the hand. They have palmed the character upon him; they have burned him in the hand, CANT.--See LETTERED.

A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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@histodons

TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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NEWMAN'S LIFT. The gallows.

A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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@histodons

TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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DAB. An adept; a dab at any feat or exercise. Dab, quoth Dawkins, when he hit his wife on the arse with a pound of butter.

A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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@histodons

TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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PIG. Sixpence, a sow's baby. Pig-widgeon; a simpleton. Cold pig; a jocular punishment inflicted by the maid seryants, or other females of the house, on persons lying over long in bed: it consists in pulling off all the bed clothes, and leaving them to pig or lie in the cold.

A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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@histodons

Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): PIG. Sixpence, a sow's baby. Pig-widgeon; a simpleton. Cold pig; a jocular punishment inflicted by the maid seryants, or other females of the house, on persons lying over long in bed: it consists in pulling off all the bed clothes, and leaving them to pig or lie in the cold. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    ACT OF PARLIAMENT. A military term for small beer, five pints of which, by an act of parliament, a landlord was formerly obliged to give to each soldier gratis.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): ACT OF PARLIAMENT. A military term for small beer, five pints of which, by an act of parliament, a landlord was formerly obliged to give to each soldier gratis. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    GYLES, or GILES. Hopping Giles; a nick name for a lame person: St. Giles was the tutelar saint of cripples.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CHAW BACON. A countryman. A stupid fellow.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CHURCH WORK. Said of any work that advances slowly.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    MUZZLE. A beard.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CRISPIN'S LANCE. An awl.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    TROOPER. You will die the death of a trooper's horse, that is, with your shoes-on; a jocular method of telling any one he will be hanged.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): TROOPER. You will die the death of a trooper's horse, that is, with your shoes-on; a jocular method of telling any one he will be hanged. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    MISS LAYCOCK. The monosyllable.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    BRAN-FACED. Freckled. He was christened by a baker, he carries the bran in his face.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    DEMURE. As demure as an old whore at a christening.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    DEATH'S HEAD UPON A MOP-STICK. A poor miserable, emaciated fellow; one quite an otomy. See OTOMY.--He looked as pleasant as the pains of death.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
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    @histodons
    The funny thing is, I've searched my database and also the original text from which I built this bot and I can't find “otomy”.

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @histodons
    The OED has "Otomi" but the definition is a native tribe from central America so I don't think that can be it.

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @AdrianRiskin @histodons
    Thank you!

    That's helped me find it with a double T: “The vulgar word for a skeleton.” and also a verb:
    “ To be ottomised; to be dissected. You'll be scragged, ottomised, and grin in a glass case: you'll be hanged, anatomised, and your skeleton kept in a glass case at Surgeons' Hall.’

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @JPK_elmediat @histodons
    Thanks. No idea why I didn't look for it with double T, double M etc. Spelling with very fluid back then.

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CLICK. A blow. A click in the muns; a blow or knock in the face. CANT.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    FOREFOOT, or PAW. Give us your fore foot; give us your hand.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    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)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): 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)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    TO BUBBLE. To cheat.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CHOP-STICK. A fork.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    BOLT. A blunt arrow.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    UNTRUSS. To untruss a point; to let down one's breeches in order to ease one's self. Breeches were formerly tied with points; these tags were worsteds of different colours twisted up to a size somewhat thicker than packthread, and tagged at both ends with tin.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): UNTRUSS. To untruss a point; to let down one's breeches in order to ease one's self. Breeches were formerly tied with points; these tags were worsteds of different colours twisted up to a size somewhat thicker than packthread, and tagged at both ends with tin. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    HOB, or HOBBINOL, a clown.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    HEEL TAP. A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass, is frequently called upon by the toast-master to take off his heel-tap.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): HEEL TAP. A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass, is frequently called upon by the toast-master to take off his heel-tap. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    TAG-RAG AND BOBTAIL. An expression meaning an assemblage of low people, the mobility of all sorts. To tag after one like a tantony pig: to follow one wherever one goes, just as St. Anthony is followed by his pig.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): TAG-RAG AND BOBTAIL. An expression meaning an assemblage of low people, the mobility of all sorts. To tag after one like a tantony pig: to follow one wherever one goes, just as St. Anthony is followed by his pig. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    BLEACHED MORT. A fair-complexioned wench.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    FAT. The last landed, inned, or stowed, of any sort of merchandise: so called by the water-side porters, carmen, &c. All the fat is in the fire; that is, it is all over with us: a saying used in case of any miscarriage or disappointment in an undertaking.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): FAT. The last landed, inned, or stowed, of any sort of merchandise: so called by the water-side porters, carmen, &c. All the fat is in the fire; that is, it is all over with us: a saying used in case of any miscarriage or disappointment in an undertaking. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    DEW BEATERS. Feet. Cant.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CANK. Dumb.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    BED. Put to bed with a mattock, and tucked up with a spade; said of one that is dead and buried.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    LAND. How lies the land? How stands the reckoning? Who has any land in Appleby? a question asked the man at whose door the glass stands long, or who does not circulate it in due time.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    GREY PARSON. A farmer who rents the tithes of the rector or vicar.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    HANS IN KELDER. Jack in the cellar, i.e. the child in the womb: a health frequently drank to breeding women or their husbands.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    CHOPPING, LUSTY. A chopping boy or girl; a lusty child.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    BATTLE-ROYAL. A battle or bout at cudgels or fisty-cuffs, wherein more than two persons are engaged: perhaps from its resemblance, in that particular, to more serious engagements fought to settle royal disputes.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): BATTLE-ROYAL. A battle or bout at cudgels or fisty-cuffs, wherein more than two persons are engaged: perhaps from its resemblance, in that particular, to more serious engagements fought to settle royal disputes. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    KIDNEY. Disposition, principles, humour. Of a strange kidney; of an odd or unaccountable humour. A man of a different kidney; a man of different principles.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

    Image imitating a page from an old document, text (as in main toot): KIDNEY. Disposition, principles, humour. Of a strange kidney; of an odd or unaccountable humour. A man of a different kidney; a man of different principles. A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
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    • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
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    DIPT. Pawned or mortgaged.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

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    @histodons

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