Dead-lurk, entering a dwelling-house during divine service.
Dead-man, a baker. Properly speaking, it is an extra loaf smuggled into the basket by the man who carries it out, to the loss of the master. Sometimes the DEAD-MAN is charged to a customer, though never delivered. Among London thieves and low people generally a “dead’un” is a half-quartern loaf.
Dead-men, the term for wine bottles after they are emptied of their contents.—Old.—See [MARINES].
Dead-men’s shoes, property which cannot be claimed until after decease of present holder. “To wait for a pair of DEAD-MEN’S SHOES,” is considered a wearisome affair. It is used by Fletcher:—
“And ’tis a general shrift, that most men use,
But yet ’tis tedious waiting DEAD MEN’S SHOES.”
Dead-set, a pointed and persistent attack on a person.
Dead’un, a horse which will not run or will not try in a race, and against which money may be betted with safety.—See [SAFE UN].
Deaner, a shilling. From DENIER.
Death, “to dress to DEATH,” i.e., to the very extreme of fashion, perhaps so as to be killing.
Death-hunter, a running patterer, who vends last dying speeches and confessions. More modernly the term is supposed to mean an undertaker, or any one engaged in or concerned with burials.