B Flats, bugs.—Compare [F SHARPS].
Bible-Carrier, a person who sells songs without singing them.—Seven Dials.
Biddy, a general name applied to Irish stallwomen and milkmaids, in the same manner that Mike is given to the labouring men. A big red-faced Irish servant girl is known as a Bridget.
Big, “to look BIG,” to assume an inflated air or manner; “to talk BIG,” i.e., boastingly.
Big-Bird, TO GET THE, i.e., to be hissed, as actors occasionally are by the “gods.” Big-bird is simply a metaphor for goose.—Theat. Slang.
Big House, or LARGE HOUSE, the workhouse,—a phrase used by the very poor.
Big-wig, a person in authority or office. Exchangeable with “GREAT GUN.”
Bilbo, a sword; abbrev. of “BILBAO blade.” Spanish swords were anciently very celebrated, especially those of Toledo, Bilbao, &c.
Bilk, a cheat, or a swindler. Formerly in general use, now confined to the streets, where it is common, and mostly used in reference to prostitutes. Gothic, BILAICAN.
Bilk, to defraud, or obtain goods, &c., without paying for them; “to BILK the schoolmaster,” to get information or experience without paying for it.