Grub-street.—This phrase, respecting the residence of Authors, is nearly obsolete; and, in point of fact, is altogether erroneous. If it might not be deemed trespassing rather too feelingly upon so delicate a subject, in consulting the best authorities, both living and dead, it will be found that hungry Authors, in the best of times, have had very little to do with grub-street! the smell of the joint being more within their province than the actual possession of the substance.
Guinea Pig.—A fellow who receives a guinea for puffing off an unsound horse.
H.
Habeas Corpus.—Body and breeches.
Haberdasher.—Is the whistler, otherwise the spirit-merchant—and tape the commodity he deals in. It is a contrabrand article dispensed in Debtor’s Goals. White is Max, and red is Cognac.—“You see” says the Haberdasher, “smuggling does a lot of good, it does me good, and it does you good, and do’nt you see it does the Government!”
Hack.—A coach. See Jarvey.
Half and Half Coves.—Neither one thing nor the other.
Hammer School.—Boxing School.
Harp.—The Harp tavern in Russell Street, Drury Lane, is well known—if the phrase is not offensive to the profession, as a House of Call for Actors. Here you have an opportunity of viewing, and interviewing players in and out of an engagement, stage-struck youths, anxious to become actors; and other perfect enthusiasts, together with mummers, and spongers without end, ever ready to get Lush out of you, or make you a member of the City of Lushington! see Buffaloism.
Then off he went, quite full of glee,
Strutting towards the Harp,
In hopes some manager to see;
Mixing with Flat and Sharp!
Pierce Egan’s—The Show Folks.