Caulker, a dram. The term “caulker” is usually applied to a stiff glass of grog—preferably brandy—finishing the potations of the evening. See [WHITEWASH].
Caulker, a too marvellous story, a lie. Choker has the same sense.
Caution, anything out of the common way. “He’s a CAUTION,” is said of an obdurate or argumentative man. The phrase is also used in many ways in reference to places and things.
Cavaulting, a vulgar phrase equivalent to “horsing.” The Italian CAVALLINO, signifies a rake or debauchee.—Lingua Franca, CAVOLTA. From this comes the Americanism “cavorting,” running or riding round in a heedless or purposeless manner.
Cave, or CAVE IN, to submit, shut up.—American. Metaphor taken from the sinking of an abandoned mining shaft.
Chaff, to gammon, joke, quiz, or praise ironically. Originally “to queer” represented our modern word “CHAFF.” Chaff-bone, the jaw-bone.—Yorkshire. Chaff, jesting. In Anglo-Saxon, CEAF is chaff; and CEAFL, bill, beak, or jaw. In the Ancren Riwle, A.D. 1221, CEAFLE is used in the sense of idle discourse.
Chaffer, the mouth; “moisten your CHAFFER,” i.e., take something to drink.
Chal, old Romany term for a man; CHIE was the name for a woman.
Chalk out, or CHALK DOWN, to mark out a line of conduct or action; to make a rule or order. Phrase derived from the Workshop.
Chalk up, to credit, make entry in account books of indebtedness; “I can’t pay you now, but you can CHALK IT UP,” i.e., charge me with the article in your day-book. From the old practice of chalking one’s score for drink behind the bar-doors of public-houses.