WHISKER. There is a curious slang phrase connected with this word. When an improbable story is told, the remark is, “the mother of that was a WHISKER,” meaning it is a lie.
WHISTLE, “as clean as a WHISTLE,” neatly, or “SLICKLY done,” as an American would say; “to WET ONE’S WHISTLE,” to take a drink. This is a very old term. Chaucer says of the Miller of Trumpington’s wife (Canterbury Tales, 4153)—
“So was hir joly WHISTAL well Y-WET;”
“to WHISTLE FOR ANYTHING,” to stand small chance of getting it, from the nautical custom of whistling for a wind in a calm, which of course comes none the sooner for it.
WHITE FEATHER, “to show the WHITE FEATHER,” to evince cowardice. In the times when great attention was paid to the breeding of game-cocks, a white feather in the tail was considered a proof of cross-breeding.
WHITE LIE, a harmless lie, one told to reconcile people at variance; “mistress is not at home, sir,” is a WHITE LIE often told by servants.
WHITE LIVER’D, or LIVER FACED, cowardly, much afraid, very mean.
WHITE PROP, a diamond pin.
WHITE SATIN, gin,—term amongst women.
WHITE TAPE, gin,—term used principally by female servants.