[Avaler] (thieves’), le luron, to receive the Host at communion. (Popular) Avaler sa cuiller; sa fourchette; sa gaffe; sa langue; ses baguettes; to die. In other words, “to lay down one’s knife and fork;” “to kick the bucket;” “to croak;” “to stick one’s spoon in the wall,” &c.; —— son poussin, to be dismissed, “to get the sack;” —— son absinthe, to put a good face on some disagreeable matter. (Familiar) Avoir l’air de vouloir tout ——, to look as though one were going to do mighty things; to look savage and threatening.
Avale-tout-cru, m. (popular), braggart, or “swashbuckler;” (thieves’) thief who conceals jewels in his mouth.
Avaloir, m. (popular and thieves’), throat, “peck alley,” or “gutter lane.”
[Avantages], m. pl., avant-cœur, m., avant-main, f., avant-postes, m. pl., avant-scènes, f. pl. (popular and familiar), bosoms, “Charlies,” “dairies,” or “bubbies.”
Avantageux, adj. (popular), convenient, roomy. Des souliers ——, easy shoes.
Avant-courrier, m. (thieves’), auger.
Avaro, m. (popular), damage. From avarie.
Avergot, m. (thieves’), egg.
Avertineux, adj. (popular), of a suspicious, gruff disposition; of a forbidding aspect.
Avocat bêcheur, m. (printers’), backbiter; (thieves’) public prosecutor.