"It was explained that Foley had a private `down' on them, as having stolen from him a favourite kangaroo dog."
1889. Cassell's `Picturesque Australasia, vol. iv. p. 180:
"They [diggers] had a `dead down' on all made dishes."
1893. Professor Gosman, `The Argus,' April 24, p. 7, col. 4:
"That old prejudice in the minds of many men to the effect that those who represented the churches or religious people had a regular down upon freedom of thought."
1893. `The Age,' June 24, p. 5, col. 1:
"Mr. M. said it was notorious in the department that one of the commissioners had had `a down' on him."
1893. R. L. Stevenson, `Island Nights' Entertainments,' p. 46:
"`They have a down on you,' says Case. `Taboo a man because they have a down on him'' I cried. `I never heard the like.'"
<hw>Down</hw>, <i>adv</i>. "To come, or be down," is the phrase used in Australian Universities for to be "plucked," or "ploughed," or "spun," i.e., to fail in an examination. It has been in use for a few years, certainly not earlier than 1886. The metaphor is either taken from a fall from a horse, or perhaps from the prize-ring. The use has no connection with being "sent down," or "going down," at Oxford or Cambridge.