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

BEND, “that’s above my BEND,” i.e., beyond my power, too expensive, or too difficult for me to perform.

BENDER, a sixpence,—from its liability to bend.

BENDER, the arm; “over the BENDER,” synonymous with “over the left.”—See [OVER]. Also an ironical exclamation similar to WALKER.

BENE, good.—Ancient cant; BENAR was the comparative.—See [BONE]. Latin.

BENJAMIN, a coat. Formerly termed a JOSEPH, in allusion, perhaps, to Joseph’s coat of many colours.—See [UPPER-BENJAMIN].

BENJY, a waistcoat.

BEONG, a shilling.—See [SALTEE].

BESTER, a low betting cheat.

BESTING, excelling, cheating. Bested, taken in, or defrauded.

BETTER, more; “how far is it to town?” “oh, BETTER ’n a mile.”