WIPE, a blow.
WIPE, to strike; “he fetcht me a WIPE over the knuckles,” he struck me on the knuckles; “to WIPE a person down,” to flatter or pacify a person; to WIPE off a score, to pay one’s debts, in allusion to the slate or chalk methods of account keeping; “to WIPE a person’s eye,” to shoot game which he has missed—Sporting term; hence to obtain an advantage by superior activity.
WIRE, a thief with long fingers, expert at picking ladies’ pockets.
WOBBLESHOP, where beer is sold without a license.
WOODEN SPOON, the last junior optime who takes a University degree; denoting one who is only fit to stay at home, and stir porridge.—Cambridge.
WOODEN WEDGE, the last name in the classical honours list at Cambridge. The last in mathematical honours had long been known as the WOODEN SPOON; but when the classical Tripos was instituted, in 1824, it was debated among the undergraduates what sobriquet should be given to the last on the examination list. Curiously enough, the name that year which happened to be last was WEDGEWOOD (a distinguished Wrangler). Hence the title.
WOOL, courage, pluck; “you are not half-WOOLLED,” term of reproach from one thief to another.
WOOLBIRD, a lamb; “wing of a WOOLBIRD,” a shoulder of lamb.
WOOL-GATHERING, said of any person’s wits when they are wandering, or in a reverie.—Florio.
WOOL-HOLE, the workhouse.