Hiding, subs. (common).—A thrashing. For synonyms, see Tanning.
1853. Bradley, Verdant Green, ii., p. 23. May the Gown give the Town a jolly good hiding. [[308]]
1864. Mark Lemon, Jest Book, p. 236. Some people have a notion that villany ought to be exposed, though we must confess we think it a thing that deserves a hiding.
1871. All the Year Round, 18 Feb. p. 288. Served me right if I’d got a hiding.
1883. Pall Mall Gaz., 16 Apr., p. 7, c. 2. They should stone all boys they met who were not members of the society, or in default themselves receive a good hiding.
1888. Sportsman, 22 Dec. The chairman told Deakin he could scarcely expect anything but a hiding for being connected with such a scurrilous publication.
1891. Licensed Vict. Mirror, 30 Jan., p. 7, c. 1. Before Paddock could claim the victory, which cost the Redditch fighter one of the severest hidings he ever had to put up with.
Higgledy-piggledy, adj. (Old Cant: now recognised).—In confusion; topsy-turvy; at sixes and sevens.
1598. Florio, Worlde of Wordes, s.v. Alla rappa, snatchingly, higledi-pigledie, shiftingly, rap and run.
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Higglede-piggledy, all together, as Hoggs and Piggs lie Nose in Arse.