Cross, a deception—two persons pretending hostility or indifference to each other, being all the while in concert for the purpose of deceiving a third. In the sporting world a CROSS is an arrangement made between two men that one shall win without reference to relative merits. This is sometimes done with the backer’s consent for the public benefit, at other times a backer is himself the sufferer, the men having “put some one in to lay,” according to instructions.—See [DOUBLE CROSS].
Cross, a general term amongst thieves expressive of their plundering profession, the opposite of square. “To get anything on the CROSS” is to obtain it surreptitiously. “Cross-fanning in a crowd,” robbing persons of their scarf-pins, so called from the peculiar position of the arms. This style of thieving is not confined to the conveying of scarf-pins. Crossman, a thief, or one who lives by dishonest practices.
Cross.—For not paying his term bills to the bursar (treasurer), or for cutting chapels, or lectures, or other offences, the undergrad can be “CROSSED” at the buttery, or kitchen, or both, i.e., a CROSS is put against his name by the Don, who wishes to see him, or to punish him. Of course it is easy to get one’s buttery commons out in some one else’s name, and to order dinner in from the confectioner’s. The porter is supposed to allow no dinners to be sent in, but, between his winking and a little disguise, it is possible. As another instance, a barrel of beer will not be admitted; but if it is in a hamper it will pass!—Oxford University.
Cross-buttock, an unexpected fling down or repulse; from a peculiar throw practised by wrestlers.
Cross cove and molisher, a man and woman who live by thieving.
Cross-crib, a house frequented by thieves.
Crossed, prohibited from taking food from the buttery.—University.
Crow, or COCK-CROW, to exult over another’s abasement, as a fighting-cock does over his vanquished adversary.
Crow, “a regular CROW,” a success, a stroke of luck,—equivalent to a [FLUKE].
Crow, one who watches whilst another commits a theft, a confederate in a robbery. The CROW looks to see that the way is clear, whilst the SNEAK, his partner, commits the depredation.