Astronomer.—A star-gazer. A horse that carries his head high-up in the air.
At Fault.—At a loss; not knowing in what direction to proceed, like dogs who have lost scent of a hare or fox. This sporting phrase is often used, figuratively to signify that a man has been defeated in his pursuits, and does not know how to extricate himself from difficulty.
At Home.—To Provincials, this phrase may operate rather as a sort of paradox—as houses and persons, in general are robbed not “at home” but when the parties are abroad.
Awake.—Knowing; acquainted with, aware of, or knowing what is going on. Awake to the move, aware of the proceedings; Stow the books, the culls are awake, Hide the cards, the persons know what we intend to do. This word is used on many occasions, and in most situations of life, being expressive of attention.
B.
Babes in the Wood.—Persons confined in the stocks or pillory, said also of dice.
Babes of Grace.—Puritanical, sanctified-looking persons; also drunken psalm-smiting cobblers.
Back-slums.—Beggars’ meeting places; Dyot Street, St. Giles’; Kent Street, in the Borough, &c. The expression applies to all Metropolitan receptacles of mendicants, prostitutes, thieves, and rogues of every degree to get a night’s lodging. Back Slummers, dirty, common, low, and vagrant people who reside in the Back-slums.
Bag the Swag.—Pocket, or put into a bag, the plunder, or hide the stolen property.
Baked.—Done up, exhausted, tired out, “When I got to the top of the hill I was regularly—Baked!”—Soft-baked in also employed to persons who lack worldly wisdom.