Ned Stokes, the four of spades.—North Hants. See Gentleman’s Magazine for 1791, p. 141.
Needful, money, cash; the “one thing NEEDFUL” for the accomplishment of most pet designs.
Needle, to annoy. To “cop the NEEDLE” is to become vexed or annoyed.
Needy mizzler, a shabby person; a tramp who runs away without paying for his lodging.
Never trust me, an ordinary phrase with low Londoners, and common in Shakspeare’s time, vide Twelfth Night. It is generally used instead of an oath, calling vengeance on the asseverator, if such-and-such does not come to pass.
Newgate fringe, or FRILL, the collar of beard worn under the chin; so called from its occupying the position of the rope when Jack Ketch operates. Another name for it is a Tyburn collar.
Newgate Knocker, the term given to the lock of hair which costermongers and thieves usually twist back towards the ear. The shape is supposed to resemble the knocker on the prisoners’ door at Newgate—a resemblance that carries a rather unpleasant suggestion to the wearer. Sometimes termed a COBBLER’S KNOT, or COW-LICK.
Newmarket, in tossing, when the game is “two out of three,” that is, when he who gains the first two tosses wins. When the first toss is decisive, the game is termed “sudden death.”