TUFT-HUNTER, a hanger on to persons of quality or wealth. Originally University slang, but now general.
TUMBLE, to comprehend or understand. A coster was asked what he thought of Macbeth,—“the witches and the fighting was all very well, but the other moves I couldn’t TUMBLE to exactly; few on us can TUMBLE to the jaw-breakers; they licks us, they do.”
TURF, horse racing, and betting thereon; “on the TURF,” one who occupies himself with race course business; said also of a street-walker, nymph of the pavé.
TURKEY-MERCHANTS, dealers in plundered or contraband silk. Poulterers are sometimes termed TURKEY MERCHANTS, in remembrance of Horne Tooke’s answer to the boys at Eton, who wished in an aristocratic way to know who his father was,—a TURKEY MERCHANT, replied Tooke;—his father was a poulterer. Turkey merchant, also, was formerly slang for a driver of turkeys or geese to market.
TURNED OVER, to be stopped and searched by the police.
TURNED UP, acquitted by the magistrate or judge for want of evidence.
TURNER OUT, a coiner of bad money.
TURN OUT, personal show or appearance; a man with a showy carriage and horses is said to have a good TURN OUT.
TURNOVER, an apprentice who finishes with a second master the indentures he commenced with the first.
TURNPIKE-SAILORS, beggars who go about dressed as sailors.