Fig-leaf, a small apron worn by ladies.
Figure, “to cut a good or bad FIGURE,” to make good or indifferent appearance; “what’s the FIGURE?” how much is to pay? Figure-head, a person’s face.—Sea term.
Filch, to steal, or purloin. Originally a cant word, derived from the FILCHES, or hooks, thieves used to carry, to hook clothes, or any portable articles from open windows.—Vide Decker. It was considered a cant or gipsy term up to the beginning of the last century. Harman has “FYLCHE, to robbe.” Probably from “FILICHI,” Romany for a handkerchief.
File, a deep or artful man, a jocose name for a cunning person. Originally a term for a pickpocket, when to FILE was to cheat or rob. File, an artful man, was used in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. To deal with an artful man is sometimes said to be like biting a FILE.
Filibuster, an American adventurer, who, if successful, helps to extend the boundaries of the United States, becomes a General, and receives high honours, but who remains a FILIBUSTER, and is despised as such, if he fails. The Texan, Nicaraguan, and kindred expeditions were of a FILIBUSTERING order.
Fillibrush, to flatter, praise ironically.
Fimble-famble, a lame, prevaricating excuse.—Scandinavian.
Fin, a hand; “come, tip us your FIN,” viz., let us shake hands.—Sea.
Finder, one who FINDS bacon and meat at the market before they are lost, i.e., steals them.
Finnuf, a five-pound note. Double finnuf, a ten-pound note.—German, FUNF, five.