SCULL, or SKULL, the head or master of a college.—University, but nearly obsolete; the gallery, however, in St. Mary’s (the University church), where the “Heads of Houses” sit in solemn state, is still nicknamed the GOLGOTHA by the undergraduates.
SCURF, a mean fellow.
SEALS, a religious slang term for converts.—See [OWNED].
SEEDY, worn out, poverty stricken, used up, shabby. Metaphorical expression from the appearance of flowers when off bloom and running to seed; hence said of one who wears clothes until they crack and become shabby; “how SEEDY he looks,” said of any man whose clothes are worn threadbare, with greasy facings, and hat brightened up by perspiration and continual polishing and wetting. When a man’s coat begins to look worn out and shabby he is said to look SEEDY and ready for cutting. This term has been “on the streets” for nearly two centuries, and latterly has found its way into most dictionaries. Formerly slang, it is now a recognised word, and one of the most expressive in the English language. The French are always amused with it, they having no similar term.
SELL, to deceive, swindle, or play a practical joke upon a person. A sham is a SELL in street parlance. “Sold again, and got the money,” a costermonger cries after having successfully deceived somebody. Shakespere uses SELLING in a similar sense, viz., blinding or deceiving.
SELL, a deception, disappointment; also a lying joke.
SENSATION, a quartern of gin.
SERENE, all right; “it’s all SERENE,” a street phrase of very modern adoption, the burden of a song.
SERVE OUT, to punish, or be revenged on any one.
SETTER, sevenpence. Italian, SETTE.—See [SALTEE].