1823. Jon Bee, Dict. of the Turf, etc. He flashed the blunt, made a show of money to dazzle the spectators.
1825. E. Kent, Modern Flash Dict. Flashing his ivory, shew his teeth.
1834. W. H. Ainsworth, Rookwood, (ed. 1864), p. 176.
1837. Barham, Ingoldsby Legends. ‘The Dead Drummer.’ When trav’lling, don’t flash your notes or your cash Before other people—it’s foolish and rash.
1887. W. E. Henley, Villon’s Good-Night. Likewise you molls that flash your bubs, For swells to spot and stand you sam.
1887. W. E. Henley, Straight Tip. Go crying croaks, or flash the drag.
To flash a bit, verbal phr. (venery).—To show up; to permit examination; ‘to spread’ (q.v.); to behave indecently. Said of women only.
To flash it, or to flash one’s meat.—To expose the person. [Hence meat-flasher] (q.v.). Said usually of men.
To flash the muzzle (old).—To produce a pistol.
c. 1823. Ballad (quoted in Don Juan xi.). On the high toby spice flash the muzzle In spite of each gallows old scout.