On the low gag, adv. phr. (old).—On the last rungs of beggary, ill-luck, or despair.
1823. Kent, The Modern Flash Dict., s.v.
1848. Duncombe, The Sinks of London, etc., s.v.
To strike the gag, verb. phr. (old).—To cease from chaffing.
1839. Ainsworth, Jack Sheppard (ed. 1889), p. 43. ‘A clever device,’ replied Jonathan; ‘but it won’t serve your turn. Let us pass, sir. Strike the gag, Blueskin.’
Gage (Gauge or Gag), subs. (old).—1. A quart pot (i.e., a measure). Also a drink or go (q.v.).
1567. Harman, Caveat (1814), p. 65. A gage, a quart pot.
1610. Rowlands, Martin Mark-all, p. 38 (H. Club’s Rept., 1874). Gage, a quart pot.
1622. J. Fletcher, Beggar’s Bush. I crown thy nab with a gage of benbouse. [[100]]
1656. Broome, Jovial Crew, Act ii., I bowse no lage, but a whole gage Of this I bowse to you.