Burdon’s Hotel, Whitecross Street Prison, of which the Governor was a Mr. Burdon. Almost every prison has a nickname of this kind, either from the name of the Governor, or from some local circumstance. The Queen’s Bench has also an immense number of names—[SPIKE PARK], &c.; and every Chief-Justice stands godfather to it.
Burerk, a lady, a showily-dressed woman.
Burke, to kill, to murder, secretly and without noise, by means of strangulation. From Burke, the notorious Edinburgh murderer, who, with an accomplice named Hare, used to decoy people into the den he inhabited, kill them, and sell their bodies for dissection. The wretches having been apprehended and tried, Burke was executed, while Hare, having turned king’s evidence, was released. Bishop and Williams were their London imitators. The term BURKE is now usually applied to any project that is quietly stopped or stifled—as “the question has been BURKED.” A book suppressed before publication is said to be BURKED.
Burra, great; as BURRA SAIB, a great man; BURRA KHANAII, a great dinner.—Anglo-Indian.
Bury a Moll, to run away from a mistress.
Bus, or BUSS, an abbreviation of “omnibus,” a public carriage. Also, a kiss, abbreviation of Fr. BAISER. A Mr. Shillibeer started the first BUS in London. A shillibeer is now a hearse and mourning coach all in one, used by the very poorest mourners and shabbiest undertakers.
Why is Temple Bar like a lady’s veil? Because it wants to be removed to make way for the BUSSES.
Bus, business (of which it is a contraction) or action on the stage, so written, but pronounced BIZ.—Theatrical. See [BIZ].
Business, the action which accompanies dialogue. “His BUSINESS was good.” Generally applied to byplay.—Theatrical.
Busk, to sell obscene songs and books at the bars and in the tap-rooms of public-houses. Sometimes it implies selling other articles. Also to “work” public-houses and certain spots as an itinerant musician or vocalist.