Let on, to give an intimation of having some knowledge of a subject. Ramsay employs the phrase in the Gentle Shepherd. Common in Scotland.
Let the cat out, or LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG, a common phrase, which implies that a secret is to be or has been let out.
Letty, a bed. Italian, LETTO.—Lingua Franca.
Levanter, a card-sharper, or defaulting gambler. It was formerly the custom to give out to the creditors, when a person was in pecuniary difficulties, and it was convenient for him to keep away, that he was gone to the East, or the Levant; hence, when one loses a bet, and decamps without settling, he is said to LEVANT. The Levant was also a notorious place for queer customers, who would do anything rather than pay. Its reputation is not particularly odorous even now.
Levy, a shilling.—Liverpool. Among labourers a LEVY is a sum obtained before it is due, something to keep a man going till Saturday-night comes, or his task is finished.
Liberty, ground let in parts of Yorkshire for shooting purposes.
Lick, a blow; LICKING, a beating; “to put in big LICKS,” a curious and common phrase, meaning that great exertions are being made.—Dryden; North.
Lick, to excel, or overcome; “if you ain’t sharp, he’ll LICK you,” i.e., be finished first. Signifies, also, to whip, chastise, or conquer. Ancient cant, LYCKE. Welsh, LLACHIO, to strike.
Lickspittle, a coarse but singularly expressive term for a parasite, who puts up with indignities for the sake of advantages.
Lifer, a convict who is sentenced to imprisonment for life.