Absorption, f., annual ceremony at the Ecole Polytechnique, at the close of which the seniors, or “anciens,” are entertained by the newly-joined, termed “melons” (“snookers” at the Royal Military Academy).
Acabit, m. (popular), the person; the body; health; temper. Etre de bon ——, to enjoy sound health. Un étrange ——, an odd humour, or “strange kidney.”
Acacias, m., faire ses ——, to walk or drive, according to the custom of fashionable Parisians, in the “Allée des Acacias” from the Porte-Maillot to La Concorde.
Acalifourchonner (popular), s’——, to get astride anything.
Accaparer (familiar), quelqu’un ——, to monopolize a person.
Accent (thieves’), signal given by spitting.
[Accentuer] (popular), ses gestes ——, to give a box on the ear; in other terms, “to warm the wax of one’s ear;” to give a blow, or “bang.”
Accessoires, m. pl. (theatrical), stage properties, or “props.” As a qualificative it is used disparagingly, thus, Viande d’——, vin d’——, are meat and wine of bad quality.
Accoerer (thieves’), to arrange.
Accolade (popular), smart box on the ear, “buckhorse.”