Bivvy, or GATTER, beer; “shant of BIVVY,” a pot or quart of beer. In Suffolk the afternoon refreshment of reapers is called BEVER. It is also an old English term.
“He is none of those same ordinary eaters, that will devour three breakfasts, and as many dinners, without any prejudice to their BEVERS, drinkings, or suppers.”—Beaumont and Fletcher’s Woman Hater, i. 3.
Both words are probably from the Italian, BEVERE, BERE. Latin, BIBERE. English, BEVERAGE.
Biz, contraction of the word business; a phrase much used in America in writing as well as in conversation.
B. K. S. Military officers in mufti, when out on a spree, and not wishing their profession to be known, speak of their barracks as the B. K. S.
Black and White, handwriting or print. “Let’s have it in BLACK AND WHITE,” is often said with regard to an agreement when it is to the advantage of one or both that it should be written.
Black-a-vised, having a very dark complexion.
Blackberry-Swagger, a person who hawks tapes, boot-laces, &c.
Blackbirding, slave-catching. Term most applied nowadays to the Polynesian coolie traffic.
Black Diamonds, coals; talented persons of dingy or unpolished exterior; rough jewels.