Parangonner (printers’), to adjust properly type of different sizes in the composing stick. Se ——, to steady oneself when one feels groggy.
Paraphe, f. (popular), slap, blow, “wipe,” or “bang.” Détacher une ——, or parapher, to slap one’s face, “to fetch one a wipe in the mug.”
Parapluie, m. (popular), essence de ——, water, “Adam’s ale.” (Military) Envoyer chercher le —— de l’escouade, to send for the squad’s umbrella. A joke perpetrated at the expense of a recruit, or “Johnny raw,” who gets crammed by the knowing ones, who make him believe that each squad possesses a gigantic umbrella, entrusted to the care of the latest joined recruits.
Parc, m. (thieves’), theatre, “gaff.” (Popular) Ne-te-gêne-pas-dans-le ——, short jacket.
Paré, adj. (thieves’), être ——, to be ready for execution. The convict’s hair is shorn close by the executioner a few minutes before he is led to the terrible engine. The operation is termed “la toilette du condamné.” Hence the expression.
Pareil, adj. (thieves’), être ——, to act in concert.
Parent, m. (thieves’), parishioner.
Parer (popular), la coque, to escape some deserved punishment by taking to flight; to get out of some scrape. (Thieves’) La —— à quelqu’un, to assist one, that is, to ward off a blow from fortune. La rien —— à un aminche, to readily assist a friend. (Cocottes’) Parer sa côtelette, to dress, to adorn oneself.
On n’a pas besoin de tant d’étoffe, d’abord. Et puis ces demoiselles dégottent un boucher dans l’art de parer leurs côtelettes.—P. Mahalin, Mesdames de Cœur-volant.
Parfait, adj. (popular), amour, or crème de cocu, sweet liquor for ladies; —— amour de chiffonnier, coarse brandy. Termed “bingo” in old English cant.