Cambronne! euphemism for a low but energetic expression of refusal or contempt, which is said to have been the response of General Cambronne at Waterloo when called upon to surrender (see Les Misérables, by V. Hugo). Sterne says, in his Sentimental Journey, that “the French have three words which express all that can be desired—‘diable!’ ‘peste!’” The third he has not mentioned, but it seems pretty certain it must be the one spoken of above.
Cambrouse, f. (popular), a tawdrily-dressed servant girl; a semi-professional street-walker, “dolly mop;” (thieves’) country, suburbs.
Cambrouser (servants’), to get engaged as a maid-servant.
Cambrousien, m. (thieves’), peasant, or “joskin.”
Cambrousier, m. (thieves’), country thief.
[Cambroux], m. (thieves’), servant; waiter.
Cambuse, f. (popular), house, or “crib;” sailors’ canteen; wine-shop.
Camélia, m., kept woman (La Dame aux Camélias, by A. Dumas fils).
Camelot, m. (popular), tradesman; thief; hawker of any articles.
Le camelot, c’est le Parisien pur sang ... c’est lui qui vend les questions, les jouets nouveaux, les drapeaux aux jours de fête, les immortelles aux jours de deuil, les verres noircis aux jours d’éclipse ... des cartes transparentes sur le boulevard et des images pieuses sur la place du Panthéon.—Richepin, Le Pavé.