Out, in round games, where several play, and there can be but one loser, the winners in succession STAND OUT, while the others PLAY OFF.
Out and out, prime, excellent, of the first quality; beyond measure. Out-and-outer, one who is of an OUT-AND-OUT description, “up” to anything.
An ancient MS. has this couplet, which shows the antiquity of the phrase:—
“The Kyng was good alle aboute,
And she was wycked OUTE AND OUTE.”
Outcry, an auction.—Anglo-Indian.
Outing, a day’s holiday. The Oxford and Cambridge boatrace, the Derby, and other events of a like character, are each said to be simply excuses to the Cockneys for a day’s OUTING.
Out of collar, out of place,—in allusion to servants. When in place, the term is IN COLLAR. Most likely from “head in the COLLAR,” said of horses when hard at work.
Out on the loose, “on the spree,” in search of adventures. See [ON THE LOOSE].
Out on the pickaroon. Picarone is Spanish for a thief, but this phrase does not necessarily mean anything dishonest, but is often used to mean readiness for anything in the way of excitement. It also means to be in search of anything profitable, without much care as to honesty or otherwise.
Outsider, a person who does not habitually bet, or is not admitted to the “ring,” a duffer or good-for-nothing fellow. Also, a horse whose name does not appear among the “favourites.”—Sporting.