Cake.—A silly fellow, cakes being made like him, of very soft dough, and not over well baked.—Our cake’s dough on both sides.—Shakespeare.
Call me cousin—but cozen me not—Quoth Mrs. Saunders.
Calves gone to Grass.—Said of a man with slender legs. “He’s put some hay in his boots, and his calves have gone down to feed.”
Calves’ Head.—A tallow-faced fellow, with a large meaty head. “Calves’ head is best hot,” was the apology for one of those who made “no bones” of dining with his hat on.
Came up to the Scratch.—A pugilistical phrase; also said of a person who keeps his appointments in money matters.
Canary.—A sovereign. Canary Birds, inmates of prisons.
Canister.—The head, with a sly allusion to its emptyness. Cracked canister, a broken head.
Cant.—A language made use of among beggars, gipsies, thieves, and the Fancy in general.
Captain.—A travelling title, adopted by adventurers, who have no other good enough.
Captain is a good travelling name, and so I took it, it stops a good many foolish enquiries that are generally made about gentlemen who travel; it gives a man an air of something, and makes the drawers obedient. And thus far I am a captain, and no farther.—Farquhar’s, The Beaux’s Stratagem.