Antiscriptural, oaths, foul language. Anything unfit for ordinary society conversation.
Apartments to Let, a term used in reference to one who has a somewhat empty head. As, “He’s got APARTMENTS TO LET.”
Apostle’s Grove, the London district known as St. John’s Wood. Also called GROVE OF THE EVANGELIST.
Apostles, The Twelve, the last twelve names on the Poll, or “Ordinary Degree” List at the Cambridge Examinations, when it was arranged in order of merit, and not alphabetically, and in classes, as at present; so called from their being post alios, after the others.—See [POLL]. The last of all was called St. Paul (or Saint Poll), as being the least of the apostles, and “not meet to be called an apostle” (see 1 Cor. xv. 9). As in the “Honour” list (see [Gulf]), students who had failed only slightly in one or more subjects were occasionally allowed their degrees, and these were termed [ELEGANT EXTRACTS].—Camb. Univ. Slang.
Apple-pie Bed, a trick played at schools on new comers, or on any boy disliked by the rest. One of the sheets is removed, and the other is doubled in the middle, so that both edges are brought to the top, and look as if both sheets were there; but the unhappy occupant is prevented getting more than half-way down, and he has to remake his bed as best he can. This trick is sometimes played by children of a larger growth.
Apple-Cart, the human structure, so far as the phrases with which it is connected are concerned. As “I’ll upset your APPLE-CART,” “down with his APPLE-CART.”
Apple-pie Order, in exact or very nice order.
Appro, contraction of approbation, a word much in use among jewellers. Most of the extensive show of chains, watches, and trinkets in a shop window is obtained “ON APPRO,” i.e., “on sale or return.”
Area Sneak, a thief who commits depredations upon kitchens and cellars.