Old horse, salt junk, or beef.—Sea.
Old hoss, a term of endearment, originally an Americanism, but now in common use here among friends.
Old Lady in Threadneedle Street, the Bank of England.
Old man, in American merchant ships, the master. The phrase is becoming common in English ships.
Old salt, a thorough sailor.
Old Tom, extra strong gin; sometimes termed CAT’S WATER. Various reasons are given for the use of the words Old Tom. The distillers have the sign of a tom cat on their illuminated placards. The origin of the phrase is, however, in the fact that the managing clerk of a once celebrated “gin-spinning” firm, who was known as Old Tom, used to keep a special bottle of extra good stuff with which to regale customers when they settled their accounts. To get a drink of Old Tom’s was then a great favour. Gradually the title became popular as representing very good strong gin.
Oliver, the moon; “OLIVER don’t widdle,” i.e., the moon does not shine. Nearly obsolete.
Ollapod, a country apothecary. From George Coleman’s comedy of The Poor Gentleman.
Omee, a master or landlord; “the OMEE of the carsey’s a nark on the pitch,” the master of the house will not let us perform. Italian, UOMO, a man; “UOMO DELLA CASA,” the master of the house. Latin, HOMO.—Lingua Franca.