Fox’s Sleep, or FOXING, a purposely assumed indifference to what is going on. A fox, as well as a weasel, is said to sleep with one eye open.
Foxy, rank, tainted, from the odour of the animal.—Lincolnshire.
Foxy, said also of a red-haired person.
Frapping, a beating. French, FRAPPER.
Free-and-easy, a club held at a low public-house, the members of which meet in the tap-room or parlour for the purpose of drinking, smoking, and hearing each other sing. These gatherings are generally called harmonic meetings by the landlord, but FREE-AND-EASY best indicates the character of the proceedings.
Free fight, a fight conducted on the Irishman’s principle—“Sure, wherever you see a head, hit it.” The term is, however, American, so the practice may be considered fairly general.
Freeman’s quay, “drinking at Freeman’s Quay,” i.e., at another’s cost. This quay was formerly a celebrated wharf near London Bridge, and the saying arose from the beer which was given gratis to porters and carmen who went there on business.
French cream, brandy.
French gout, a certain disease, which is also known as “ladies’ fever.”
French leave, TO TAKE, to leave or depart slyly, without saying anything; or obtaining permission.