Proof, the best ale at Magdalen College, Oxford.
Prop, a blow. As, “a PROP on the nose,”—more street slang than pugilistic.
Prop, a scarf pin.
Prop-nailer, a man who “sneaks,” or rather snatches, pins from gentlemen’s scarves.
Proper, very, exceedingly, sometimes used ironically; “you are a PROPER nice fellow,” meaning a great scamp. A “PROPER man” generally means a perfect man, as far as can be known.
Props, crutches.
Props, stage properties.—Theatrical.
Pros, a water-closet. Abbreviated form of πρὸς τινα τόπον. Some say, πρὸς τον τόπον.—Oxford University.
Pross, to break in or instruct a stage-infatuated youth. Also, to spunge upon a comrade or stranger for drink. In this latter capacity the word is in connexion with prostitute, a PROSSER being considered a most degraded being, and the word being supposed by many to represent a man who lives on a woman’s prostitution.
Psalm-smiter, a “Ranter,” one who sings at a conventicle. See [BRISKET-BEATER].