Chumming-up, an old custom amongst prisoners before the present regulations were in vogue, and before imprisonment for debt was abolished; when a fresh man was admitted to their number, rough music was made with pokers, tongs, sticks, and saucepans. For this ovation the initiated prisoner had to pay, or “fork over,” half-a-crown—or submit to a loss of coat and waistcoat.
Chummy, a chimney-sweep—probably connected with chimney; also a low-crowned felt hat. Sometimes, but rarely, a sweep is called a clergyman—from his colour.
Chump, the head or face. Also one end of a loin of mutton. A half-idiotic or daft person is said to be off his chump.
Chunk, a thick or dumpy piece of any substance, as a CHUNK of bread or meat.—Kentish.
Church a yack (or watch), to take the works of a watch from its original case, and put them into another one, to avoid detection.—See [CHRISTEN].
Churchwarden, a long pipe, “a yard of clay;” probably so called from the dignity which seems to hedge the smoker of a churchwarden, and the responsibility attached to its use. Sometimes called an Alderman.
Cinder, any liquor used in connexion with soda-water, as to “take a soda with a CINDER in it.” The cinder may be sherry, brandy, or any other liquor.
Circumbendibus, a roundabout way, a long-winded story.
Clack-box, a garrulous person, so called from the rattle formerly used by vagrants to make a rattling noise and attract attention.—Norfolk.