Hatpeg, subs. (common).—The head. For synonyms, see Crumpet.
Hatter, subs. (Australian).—A gold-digger working alone.
1881. A. Bathgate, Waitaruna, p. 88. He is what they call a hatter, that is he works alone.
1885. Chambers’ Journal, 2 May, p. 286. Some prefer to travel, and even to work, when they can get it, alone, and these are known to the rest as hatters. [[280]]
1890. Illustrations, p. 158. The former occupant was what is known as a hatter, i.e., a digger living by himself.
1890. Marriott Watson, Broken Billy. He was looked upon as a hatter, that is to say, a man who has lived by himself until his brain has been turned.
Who’s your hatter? phr. (streets).—A catch-cry long out of vogue.
Mad as a hatter, phr. (colloquial).—Very mad.
1863. Marshall [Title, of a farce]. Mad as a Hatter.
Hat-trick, subs. (cricket).—Taking three wickets with three consecutive balls: which feat is held to entitle the bowler to a new hat at the cost of the club.