Lift, to steal, pick pockets; “there’s a clock been LIFTED,” said when a watch has been stolen. The word is as old as the Border forays, and is used by Shakspeare. Shoplifter is a recognised term. Old Gothic, LLIFAN, to steal; Lower Rhenish, LÖFTEN.
Lig, a lie, a falsehood.—Lancashire. In old ballads the word “lie” is often spelt “LIG.” In old Saxon, LIG is to lie, but to lie as in a bed.
Light, credit, trust; “to get a LIGHT at a house” is to get credit. When a man’s credit is stopped, his LIGHT is said to be put out. Light also means life. “I’ll put your LIGHT out” is a murderous threat.
Light Bob, a light infantry soldier.—Military.
Light Feeder, a silver spoon.
Lightning, gin; “flash o’ LIGHTNING,” a glass of gin.
Lights, a worthless piece of meat; applied metaphorically to a fool, a soft or stupid person.
Lights, the eyes. Also, the lungs; animals’ lungs are always so called.
Lil, a book, generally a pocket-book.—Gipsy.
Lily Benjamin, a great white coat. See [Benjamin].