Twist (Oliver), the son of Mr. Brownlow’s oldest friend and Agnes Fleming; half-brother to “Manks.” He was born and brought up in a workhouse, starved, and ill-treated; but was always gentle, amiable, and pure-minded. His asking for more gruel at the workhouse because he was so hungry, and the astonishment of the officials at such daring impudence, is capitally told.--Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist (1837).
Twitcher (Harry). Henry, Lord Brougham [Broom] was so called, from his habit of twitching his neck (1778-1868).
Don’t you recollect, North, some years ago that Murray’s name was on our title-page; and that, being alarmed for Subscription Jamie [Sir James Mackintosh] and Harry Twitcher, he ... scratched his name out?--Wilson, Noctes Ambrosianæ (1822-36).
Twitcher (Jemmy), a cunning and treacherous highwayman in Macheath’s gang.--Gay, The Beggar’s Opera (1727).
Twitcher (Jemmy), the nickname of John, Lord Sandwich, noted for his liaison with Miss Ray (1718-1792).
When sly Jemmy Twitcher had smugged up his face
With a lick of court whitewash and pious grimace,
Avowing he went where three sisters of old,
In harmless society, guttle and scold.
Gay, (1716-1771).