Favourite, the horse that has the lowest odds laid against it in the betting list. When the FAVOURITE wins, the public or backers of horses generally are the gainers. When an outsider wins, the ring, that is to say, the persons who make a business of laying against the chances of horses, are the gainers.
Fawney, a finger ring. Irish, FAINEE, a ring.
Fawney bouncing, selling rings for a pretended wager. This practice is founded upon the old tale of a gentleman laying a wager that if he were to offer “real gold sovereigns” at a penny a-piece at the foot of London Bridge, the English public would be too incredulous to buy. The story states that the gentleman stationed himself with sovereigns on a tea-tray, and sold only two within the hour, thus winning the bet. This tale the FAWNEY BOUNCERS tell the public, only offering brass, double-gilt rings, instead of sovereigns.
Fawney rig, the ring-dropping trick. A few years ago this practice was very common. A fellow purposely dropped a ring, or a pocket-book with some little articles of jewellery, &c., in it, and when he saw any person pick it up, ran to claim half. The ring found, the question of how the booty was to be divided had then to be decided. The sharper says, “If you will give me eight or nine shillings for my share, the things are yours.” This the “flat” thinks very fair. The ring of course is valueless, and the swallower of the bait discovers the trick too late. For another way of doing this trick, see [RING-DROPPING].
Feathers, money, wealth; “in full FEATHER,” rich. Feathers is also a term applied to dress; “in full FEATHER,” means very often in full costume. It also means, at times, in high spirits.
Feed, a meal, generally a dinner. Originally stable slang, now pretty general.
Feele, a daughter, or child.—Corrupted French.
Fellow-commoner, uncomplimentary epithet used at Cambridge for an empty bottle.
Felt, a hat.—Old term, in use in the sixteenth century.
Fence, a purchaser or receiver of stolen goods; also, the shop or warehouse of a FENCER.—Old Cant.