Mornos, m. (thieves’), mouth, “bone-box, or muns.” Probably from morne, mutton, the mouth’s most important function being to receive food.
Morpion, m. (popular), strong expression of contempt; despicable man, or “snot.” Literally crab-louse. Also a bore, one who clings to you as the vermin alluded to.
Morpionner (popular), is said of a bore that you cannot get rid of.
Morse (Breton cant), barley bread.
Mort, f. and adj. (popular), marchand de —— subite, physician, “pill.”
C’est bien sûr le médecin en chef ... tous les marchands de mort subite vous ont de ces regards-là.—Zola.
Lampe à ——, confirmed drunkard whose thirst cannot be slaked. (Familiar and popular) Un corps ——, an empty bottle. The English say, when a bottle has been emptied, “Take away this bottle; it has ‘Moll Thompson’s’ mark on it,” that is, it is M. T. An empty bottle is also termed a “marine, or marine recruit.” “This expression having once been used in the presence of an officer of Marines,” says the Slang Dictionary, “he was at first inclined to take it as an insult, until someone adroitly appeased his wrath by remarking that no offence could be meant, as all that it could possibly imply was: one who had done his duty, and was ready to do it again.” (Popular) Eau de ——, brandy. See [Tord-boyaux]. (Thieves’) Etre ——, to be sentenced, “booked.” Hirondelle de la ——, gendarme on duty at executions. (Military school of Saint-Cyr) Se faire porter élève-mort is to get placed on the sick list. (Gamesters’) Mort, stakes which have been increased by a cheat, who slily lays additional money the moment the game is in his favour.
Morte paye sur mer, f. (thieves’), the hulks (obsolete).
Morue, f. (popular), dirty, disgusting woman.
Vous voyez, Françoise, ce panier de fraises qu’on vous fait trois francs; j’en offre un franc, moi, et la marchande m’appelle ... Oui, madame, elle vous appelle ... morue!—Gavarni.