Head-Guard, subs. (thieves’).—A hat; specifically, a billy-cock.
1889. Clarkson and Richardson, Police, p. 21. A billy-cock, a head-guard.
Heading, subs. (American cowboys’).—A pillow; any rest for the head.
Heading ’em, subs. phr. (streets).—The tossing of coins in gambling. (In allusion to the head on the coin.)
Head-marked, adj. (venery).—Horned. To know by head-mark = to know (a cuckold) by his horns.
Headquarters, subs. (racing).—Newmarket. (Being the chief racing and training centre.)
1888. Sportsman, 28 Nov. Of the two-year olds that ran … races for them are the strong point of that particular gathering at headquarters.
Head-rails, subs. (old nautical).—The teeth. For synonyms, see Grinders.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1853. Bradley, [Cuthbert Bede] Verdant Green, Pt. II., ch. iv. He had agreeable remarks for each of his opponents … to another he would cheerfully remark, ‘your head-rails were loosened there, wasn’t they?’