LAG SHIP, a transport chartered by Government for the conveyance of convicts to New South Wales; also, a hulk, or floating prison, in which, to the disgrace of humanity, many hundreds of these unhappy persons are confined, and suffer every complication of human misery.
LAMPS, the eyes; to have queer lamps, is to have sore or weak eyes.
LARK, fun or sport of any kind, to create which is termed knocking up a lark.
LAWN, a white cambric handkerchief.
LEARY, synonymous with fly.
LEARY-COVE. See [Fly].
LEATHER-LANE, any thing paltry, or of a bad quality, is called a Leather-lane concern.
LETTER Q, the mace, or billiard-slum, is sometimes called going upon the Q, or the letter Q, alluding to an instrument used in playing billiards.
LETTER-RACKET, going about to respectable houses with a letter or statement, detailing some case of extreme distress, as shipwreck, sufferings by fire, &c.; by which many benevolent, but credulous, persons, are induced to relieve the fictitious wants of the impostors, who are generally men, or women, of genteel address, and unfold a plausible tale of affliction.