Dovercourt, a noisy assemblage; “all talkers and no hearers, like Dovercourt.” At Dovercourt, in Essex, a court is annually held; and as the members principally consist of rude fishermen, the irregularity noticed in the proverbial saying frequently prevails. Bramston in his Art of Politics says:—
“Those who would captivate the well-bred throng,
Should not too often speak, nor speak too long;
Church, nor church matters, ever turn to sport,
Nor make St. Stephen’s Chapel Dover Court.”
This would seem to be more properly applied to a Court of Dover people, a Dover Court, not a Dovercourt Court.
Dove-tart, a pigeon pie. A snake tart is an eel pie.
Dowd, a woman’s nightcap.—Devonshire: also an American term; possibly from DOWDY, a slatternly woman.
Dowlas, a linendraper. Dowlas is a sort of towelling.
Down, to be aware of, or awake to, any move—in this meaning, exchangeable with UP; “DOWN upon one’s luck,” unfortunate; “DOWN in the mouth,” disconsolate; “to be DOWN on one,” to treat him harshly or suspiciously, to pounce upon him, or detect his tricks.
Downer, a sixpence; apparently the Gipsy word, TAWNO, “little one,” in course of metamorphosis into the more usual “tanner.”
Downs, Tothill Fields’ Prison.