WORK, to plan, or lay down and execute any course of action, to perform anything; “to WORK the BULLS,” i.e., to get rid of false crown pieces; “to WORK the ORACLE,” to succeed by manœuvring, to concert a wily plan, to victimise,—a possible reference to the stratagems and bribes used to corrupt the Delphic oracle, and cause it to deliver a favourable response. “To WORK a street or neighbourhood,” trying at each house to sell all one can, or so bawling that every housewife may know what you have to sell. The general plan is to drive a donkey barrow a short distance, and then stop and cry. The term implies thoroughness; to “WORK a street well” is a common saying with a coster.
WORM, see [PUMP].
WORMING, removing the beard of an oyster or muscle.
W.P., or WARMING PAN. A clergyman who holds a living pro tempore, under a bond of resignation, is styled a W.P., or WARMING PAN rector, because he keeps the place warm for his successor.—Clerical slang.
WRINKLE, an idea, or fancy; an additional piece of knowledge which is supposed to be made by a WRINKLE à posteriori.
WRITE, “to WRITE ONE’S NAME on a joint,” to have the first cut at anything,—leaving sensible traces of one’s presence on it.
YACK, a watch; to “church a YACK,” to take it out of its case to avoid detection.
YARD OF CLAY, a long, old-fashioned tobacco pipe, also called a churchwarden.
YARMOUTH CAPON, a bloater, or red herring.—Old—Ray’s Proverbs.
YARN, a long story, or tale; “a tough YARN,” a tale hard to be believed; “spin a YARN,” tell a tale.—Sea.