Deuce, the devil.—Old. Stated by Junius and others to be from Deus or Zeus.
Deuce, twopence; DEUCE at cards or dice, one with two pips or spots.
Devil, among barristers, to get up the facts of a case for a leader; to arrange everything in the most comprehensive form, so that the Q.C. or Serjeant can absorb the question without much trouble. Devilling is juniors’ work, but much depends on it, and on the ability with which it is done.
Devil, a printer’s youngest apprentice, an errand-boy in a printing-office.
Devil dodger, a clergyman; also a person who goes sometimes to church and sometimes to meeting.
Devil-may-care, reckless, rash.
Devil’s bed-posts, the four of clubs. Otherwise Old Gentleman’s BED-POSTS.
Devil’s books, a pack of playing-cards; a phrase of Presbyterian origin.—See [FOUR KINGS].
Devil’s delight, a noise or row of any description. Generally used thus:—“They kicked up the DEVIL’S DELIGHT.”
Devil’s dung, the fetid drug assafœtida.