A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words / Used at the Present Day in the Streets of London; the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; the Houses of Parliament; the Dens of St. Giles; and the Palaces of St. James.

by John Camden Hotten

GRASS-WIDOW, an unmarried mother; a deserted mistress. In the United States, during the gold fever in California, it was common for an adventurer to put both his GRASS-WIDOW and his children to school during his absence.

GRAVEL, to confound, to bother; “I’m GRAVELLED,” i.e., perplexed or confused.—Old.

GRAVEL-RASH, a scratched face,—telling its tale of a drunken fall.

GRAY-COAT-PARSON, a lay impropriator, or lessee of great tithes.

GRAYS, or SCOTCH GRAYS, lice.—Scotch.

GRAYS, halfpennies, with either two “heads” or two “tails,”—both sides alike. Low gamblers use GRAYS, and they cost from 2d. to 6d. each.

GREASE-SPOT, a minute remnant, the only distinguishable remains of an antagonist after a terrific contest.

GREASING a man is bribing; SOAPING is flattering him.

GREEKS, the low Irish. St. giles’ greek, slang or cant language. Cotgrave gives MERIE GREEK as a definition for a roystering fellow, a drunkard.—Shakespere.—See [MEDICAL GREEK].

GREEN, ignorant, not wide awake, inexperienced.—Shakespere. “Do you see any GREEN in my eye?” ironical question in a dispute.