Shut your head, phr. (American).—‘Hold your jaw.’
Head-beetler, subs. (workmen’s).—1. A bully; and (2) a foreman; a ganger (q.v.).
1886. Chambers’ Journal, 18 Sept., p. 599. Head-beetler is used (in Ulster) in the same vulgar sense as ‘Head-cook and bottle-washer’ in some localities. The ‘beetle’ was a machine for producing figured fabrics by the pressure of a roller, and head-beetler probably means the chief director of this class of work. [[288]]
Head-bloke. See Head-screw.
Head-bully (or -cully).—See quots.
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Head bully of the pass or passage bank. The Top Tilter of the Gang, throughout the whole Army, who Demands and receives Contribution from all the Pass Banks in the Army.
1725. New Cant. Dict., s.v.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Head-cook and bottle-washer, subs. phr. (common).—1. A general servant; in contempt.
2. (common).—One in authority; a boss (q.v.). Cf., Head-beetler.