Hallan-shaker (or Hallen-shaker), subs. (old).—A vagabond or sturdy beggar. For synonyms, see Cadger and Mumper.
c. 1503–4. Dunbar, A General Satyre wks. (ed. David Laing, 1834), ii., 26. Sic knavis and crakkeris to play at cartis and dyce. Sic halland-schakkaris.
c. 1600. Montgomerie, Poems (Scottish Text Soc., 1885–7), ‘Polwart and Montgomerie’s Flyting,’ p. 85. halland-shaker, draught-raiker, bannock-baiker, ale-beshitten.
(?) 1642. Old Ballad. ‘Maggie Lauder.’ Right scornfully she answered him, Begone, you Hallan-shaker.
1724. Journal from London, p. 4. Had seen me than staakin about like a hallen-shaker, You wou’d hae taen me for a water-wraith.
1816. Scott, Antiquary, ch. iv. I, and a wheen Hallenshakers like mysel’.
Halliballo.—See Hulliballo.
Hallion (or Hallyon), subs. (old).—1. A rogue; a clod; a gentleman’s servant out of livery; also (2) a shrew. Cf., Hell-cat.
1817. Scott, Rob Roy, ch. iv. This is a decentish hallion.
1847. Porter, Big Bear, etc., p. 69. The scoundrels! the oudacious little hellions!