Blue-Pigeon-Flyer, sometimes a journeyman plumber, glazier, or other workman, who, when repairing houses, strips off the lead, and makes away with it. This performance is, though, by no means confined to workmen. An empty house is often entered and the whole of the roof in its vicinity stripped, the only notice given to the folks below being received by them on the occasion of a heavy downfall of rain. The term FLYER has, indeed, of late years been more peculiarly applied to the man who steals the lead in pursuance of his vocation as a thief, than to him who takes it because it comes in the way of his work.
Blue Ruin, gin.
Blues, a fit of despondency.—See BLUE DEVILS.
Blues, the police. Sometimes called the Royal Regiment of Foot-guards BLUE.
Bluey, lead.—German, BLEI. Most likely, though, from the colour, as the term is of the very lowest slang.
Bluff, an excuse; also the game at cards known as euchre in America.
Bluff, to turn aside, stop, or excuse.
Blunt, money. It has been said that this term is from the French BLOND, sandy or golden colour, and that a parallel may be found in BROWN or BROWNS, the slang for half-pence. Far-fetched as this etymology seems, it may be correct, as it is borne out by the analogy of similar expressions. Cf. BLANQUILLO, a word used in Morocco and Southern Spain for a small Moorish coin. The “asper” (ἄσπρον) of Constantinople is called by the Turks AKCHEH, i.e., “little white.”
Blurt Out, to speak from impulse, and without reflection, to let out suddenly.—Shakspeare.
B.N.C., for Brasenose, initials of Brazen Nose College. In spite of the nose over the gate the probability is the real name was Brasinium. It is still famous for its beer.—University.