Balançon, m. (thieves’), iron hammer; window-bar.

Balandrin, m. (popular), parcel made up in canvas; a small pedlar’s pack.

Balauder (tramps’), to beg, “to cadge.”

Balayage, m. Properly sweeping; used figuratively wholesale getting rid of. On devrait faire un balayage dans cette administration, there ought to be a wholesale dismissal of officials.

Balayer (theatrical), les planches, to be the first to sing at a concert.

Balayez-moi-ça, m. (popular), woman’s dress. Literally you just sweep that away.

Balcon, m. (popular), il y a du monde, or il y a quelqu’un au ——, an allusion to well-developed breasts.

Balconnier, m., orator who makes a practice of addressing the crowd from a balcony.

Baleine, f. (popular), disreputable woman, “bed-fagot.” Rire comme une ——, to laugh in a silly manner with mouth wide open like a whale’s.