1690. B. E. Dict. of the Cant. Crew, s.v.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
2. (venery).—The testicles; also thingambobs. For synonyms, see Cods.
Ginger, subs. (common).—1. A fast, showy horse; a beast that looks figged (q.v.).
1859. Notes and Queries, 17 Dec. p. 493. A ginger is a showy fast horse.
2. (common).—A red-haired person; carrots (q.v.). [Whence the phrase (venery) ‘Black for beauty, ginger for pluck.’]
1885. Miss Tennant in Eng. Illustrated Magazine, June, p. 605. The policemen are well known to the boys, and appropriately named by them. There is ‘Jumbo,’ too stout to run; ginger, the red-haired.
3. (common).—Spirit; dash; go (q.v.). To want ginger = to lack energy and pluck (q.v.).
1888. The World, 13 May. You will remark that your spinal column is requiring a hinge, and that considerable ginger is departing from your resolution to bear up and enjoy yourself. [[147]]
1891. Gunter, Miss Nobody of Nowhere, p. 124. If father objects send him to me, I’ll take the ginger out of him in short order.