Halloo. To halloo with the under dog, verb. phr. (American).—To take the losing side.
Halo. To work the halo racket, verb. phr. (common).—To grumble; to be dissatisfied. [From the story of the Saint in Heaven who got dissatisfied with his nimbus.]
Haltersack, subs. (old).—A gallows-bird; a general term of reproach and contempt.
1598. Florio, Worlde of Wordes, Bazaro, a shifter, a conicatcher … a haltersacke.
1619. Beaumont and Fletcher, King and no King, ii., 2. Away, you haltersack, you.
Halves, subs. (Winchester College).—(pro. Hāves.) Half-Wellington boots, which were strictly non licet (obs.).—Notions.
To go (or cry) halves, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To take (or claim) a half share or chance. In America, at the halves.
1831. Neal, Down Easters, ch. iv., p. 45. ‘Lives by preachin’ at the halves a sabba’-days.’ ‘Preaching at the halves—how’s that?’ ‘Why don’t you know? in partnership for what’s taken arter the sarmon’s over.’
1851–61. Mayhew, Lond. Lab. and Lond. Poor, III., 122. He’ll then again ask if anybody will go him halves.
Ham, subs. (old).—1. (in. pl.) Trousers: also Ham-cases. For synonyms, see Kicks.