Spanking, large, fine, or strong; e.g., a SPANKING pace, a SPANKING breeze, a SPANKING fellow.
Sparks, diamonds. Term much in use among the lower orders, and generally applied to stones in rings and pins.
Specklebellies, Dissenters. A term used in Worcester and the North, though the etymology seems unknown in either place.
Specks, damaged oranges.—Costermonger’s term.
Speech, a tip or wrinkle on any subject. On the turf a man will wait before investing on a horse until he “gets the SPEECH,” as to whether it is going to try, or whether it has a good chance. To “give the SPEECH,” is to communicate any special information of a private nature.
Speel, to run away, make off; “SPEEL the drum,” to go off with stolen property.—North.
Spell, a turn of work, an interval of time. “Take a SPELL at the capstern.”—Sea. “He took a long SPELL at that tankard.” “After a long SPELL.”
Spell, “to SPELL for a thing,” to hanker after it, to desire possession.
Spell, to advertise, to put into print. “Spelt in the leer,” i.e., advertised in the newspaper.
Spell, contracted from [SPELLKEN]. “Precious rum squeeze at the SPELL,” i.e., a good evening’s work at the theatre, might be the remark of a successful pickpocket.