Deck, a pack of cards. Used by Shakspeare, 3 K. Hen. VI., v. 1. Probably because of DECKING or arranging the table for a game at cards. General in the United States.
Dee, a pocket-book; term used by tramps.—Gipsy. Dee (properly D), a detective policeman. “The DEES are about, so look out.”
Delicate, a false subscription-book carried by a [LURKER].
Demirep (or DEMIRIP), a courtezan. Contraction of DEMI-REPUTATION, which is, in turn, a contraction for demi-monde reputation.
Derby-dog, a masterless animal, who is sure to appear as soon as the Epsom course is cleared for the great race of the season. No year passes without a dog running between the two dense lines of spectators and searching in vain for an outlet, and he is almost as eagerly looked for as are the “preliminary canters.” It is said that when no DERBY-DOG appears on the course between Tattenham Corner and the judge’s box, just before the start, a dead-heat will take place between all the placed horses.
Derrick, an apparatus for raising sunken ships, &c. The term is curiously derived from a hangman of that name frequently mentioned in Old Plays, as in the Bellman of London, 1616.
“He rides circuit with the devil, and DERRICK must be his host, and Tyborne the inn at which he will light.”
The term is now almost general for all cranes used in loading ships, or doing similar work of a heavy nature.
Despatchers, false dice with two sets of numbers, and, of course, no low pips. So called because they bring the matter to a speedy issue. Great skill in palming is necessary for their successful use.