Diddler, or JEREMY DIDDLER, an artful swindler. A diddler is generally one who borrows money without any intention of ever repaying it; the sort of man who, having asked for half-a-crown and received only a shilling, would consider that eighteenpence was owing to him.—From Raising the Wind.
Diddling, cheating or swindling. Borrowing money without any intention of repaying it. Edgar Allan Poe wrote a very amusing article once on DIDDLING, which he seemed to regard as a rather high art.
Didoes, pranks or capers; “to cut up DIDOES,” to make pranks.
Dig, a hard blow. Generally in pugilistic circles applied to a straight “left-hander,” delivered under the guard on the “mark.”
Diggers, spurs; also the spades on cards.
Diggings, lodgings, apartments, residence; an expression probably imported from California, or Australia, with reference to the gold diggings. It is very common nowadays for a man moving in very decent society to call his abode or his office, or anyplace to which he frequently resorts, his “DIGGINGS.”
Dilly, originally a coach, from diligence. Now a night-cart.
Dilly-dally, to trifle.
Dimber, neat or pretty.—Worcestershire, but old cant.
Dimber-damber, very pretty; a clever rogue who excels his fellows; chief of a gang. Old Cant in the latter sense.