Dandy, a boatman.—Anglo-Indian.
Dandypratt, a funny little fellow, a mannikin; originally a half-farthing of the time of Henry VII.
Danna, human ordure; DANNA DRAG, a nightman’s or dustman’s cart; hence [DUNNA-KEN], which see.
Darbies, handcuffs.—Old Cant.—See [JOHNNY DARBIES]. Sir Walter Scott mentions these, in the sense of fetters, in his Peveril of the Peak—
“‘Hark ye! Jem Clink will fetch you the DARBIES.’ ‘Derby!’ interrupted Julian, ‘has the Earl or Countess’”——
Had Sir Walter known of any connexion between them and this family he would undoubtedly have mentioned it. The mistake of Julian is corrected in the next paragraph. It is said that handcuffs were, when used to keep two prisoners together, called Darbies and Joans—a term which would soon be shortened as a natural consequence.
Darble, the devil. French, DIABLE.
Dark, “keep it DARK,” i.e., secret. A DARK horse is, in racing phraseology, a horse of whom nothing positive is known, but who is generally supposed to have claims to the consideration of all interested, whether bookmakers or backers.
Darky, twilight; also a negro. Darkmans, the night.
Darn, vulgar corruption of DAMN.—American.