DOUBLE-SHUFFLE, a low, shuffling, noisy dance, common amongst costermongers.—See [FLIP-FLAPS].
DOUSE, to put out; “DOUSE that glim,” put out that candle.—Sea.
DOWD, a woman’s nightcap.—Devonshire; also an American term; possibly from DOWDY, a slatternly woman.
DOWN, to be aware of, or awake to, any move—in this meaning, synonymous with UP; “DOWN upon one’s luck,” unfortunate; “DOWN in the mouth,” disconsolate; “to be DOWN on one,” to treat him harshly or suspiciously, to pounce upon him, or detect his tricks.
DOWN THE DOLLY, a favourite gambling contrivance, often seen in the tap rooms of public houses, at race-courses, and fairs, consisting of a round board and the figure of an old man or “doll,” down which is a spiral hole. A marble is dropped “down the dolly,” and stops in one of the small holes or pits (numbered) on the board. The bet is decided according as the marble stops on a high or low figure.
DOWN THE ROAD, stylish, showy, after the fashion.
DOWNER, a sixpence; apparently the Gipsey word, TAWNO, “little one,” in course of metamorphosis into the more usual “tanner.”
DOWNS, Tothill Fields’ prison.
DOWNY, knowing or cunning; “a DOWNY COVE,” a knowing or experienced sharper.
DOWRY, a lot, a great deal; “DOWRY of parny,” lot of rain or water.—See [PARNY]. Probably from the Gipsey.