Argol-bargol, to bandy words.—Scotch.
Article, derisive term for a weak or insignificant specimen of humanity.
Atomy, a diminutive or deformed person. From ANATOMY, or ATOM.
Attack, to carve, or commence operations; “ATTACK that beef, and oblige!”
Attic, the head; “queer in the ATTIC,” intoxicated or weak-minded. Sometimes ATTIC is varied by “upper story.”
Attic Salt, wit, humour, pleasantry. Partly a reference to a suggestive portion of Grecian literature, and partly a sly hit at the well-known poverty of many writers.
Auctioneer, to “tip him the AUCTIONEER,” is to knock a man down. Tom Sayers’s right hand was known to pugilistic fame as the AUCTIONEER.
Audit Ale, extra strong ale supposed to be drunk when the accounts are audited.—Camb. Univ.
Auld-Reekie, an affectionate term for the old town of Edinburgh. Derived from its dingy appearance.