<hw>Derry</hw>, <i>n</i>. slang. The phrase "to have a down on" (see <i>Down</i>) is often varied to "have a derry on." The connection is probably the comic-song refrain, "Hey derry down derry."
1896. `The Argus,' March 19, p. 5, col. 9:
"Mr. Croker: Certainly. We will tender it as evidence.
(To the witness.) Have you any particular `derry' upon this
Wendouree?—No; not at all. There are worse vessels knocking
about than the Wendouree."
<hw>Dervener</hw>, <i>n</i>. See quotation, and <i>Derwenter</i>.
1896. `The Argus,' Jan. 2, p. 3, col. 4, Letters to the Editor:
"`Dervener.'—An expression used in continental Australia for a man from the Derwent in Tasmania. Common up till 1850 at least.—David Blair."
Ibid. Jan. 3, p. 6, col. 6:
"With respect to `dervener,' the word was in use while the blue shirt race existed [sc. convicts], and these people did not become extinct until after 1860.—Cymro-Victoria."
<hw>Derwenter</hw>, <i>n</i>. a released convict from Hobart Town, Tasmania, which is on the River Derwent.
1884. Rolf Boldrewood, `Melbourne Memories,' c. xx. p. 140: