Hondey, a Manchester name for an omnibus, and the abbreviation of HONDEYBUSH, the original Lancashire pronunciation of the word.
Honest Shilling, a shilling earned by a process actually immoral, but not positively illegal. The money earned by a prostitute is said to be honest, as distinguished from that obtained by a thief. Probably from the story of the converted burglar, who determined to sin no more himself, and who lectured against dishonesty, but sent his wife out regularly every evening with instructions to earn an HONEST SHILLING.
Honey blobs, a Scotch term for large ripe, yellow gooseberries.
Honour bright, an asseveration which means literally, “by my honour, which is bright and unsullied.” It is often still further curtailed to “HONOUR!” only.
Hook, an expression at Oxford, implying doubt, either connected with [Hookey Walker], or with a note of interrogation (?) “Yes, with a HOOK at the end of it!” i.e., with some reservation, generally that of doubt, by the speaker.
Hook, to steal or rob. See the following.
Hook or by crook, by fair means or foul—in allusion to the hook with which footpads used to steal from open windows, &c., and from which HOOK, to take or steal, has been derived. Mentioned in Hudibras as a cant term.
Hook it, “get out of the way,” or “be off about your business;” generally varied by “take your HOOK.” “To HOOK it,” to run away, to decamp; “on one’s own HOOK,” dependent upon one’s own exertions. Originally connected with the preceding, but now perfectly “on its own HOOK.”
Hookey walker! ejaculation of incredulity, usually shortened to [WALKER]!—which see.