Horn-thumb, subs. (old).—A pickpocket. [From the practice of wearing a sheath of horn to protect the thumb in cutting out.] See Thieves.
1569. Preston, Cambises (Dodsley, Old Plays, 4th ed., 1874, iv., 235). But cousin, because to that office ye are not like come, Frequent your exercises, a horne on your thumbe, A quick eye, a sharp knife.
1614. Jonson, Bartholomew Fair, ii. I mean a child of the horn-thumb, a babe of booty, boy, a cut-purse.
1614. Greene, Looking-Glass [Dyce], p. 138. I cut this from a new-married wife by means of a horn-thumb and a knife.—Six shillings, four pence.
Horrors, subs. (common).—The first stage of delirium tremens. For synonyms, see Gallon-distemper. Also low spirits, or the blues (q.v.).
1848. Ruxton, Life in the Far West, p. 50. Paying the penalty in a fit of horrors.
1857. Philadelphia Evening Bulletin (quoted by Bartlett). This poison (fusil oil), which acts with terrible results on the nerves; seeming like a diabolical inspiration, stirring up mania, convulsions, and the horrorsin an incredibly short space of time.
1864. Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, bk. iv., ch. viii. What are popularly called ‘the trembles’ being in full force upon him that evening, and likewise what are popularly called the horrors, he had a very bad time of it; which was not made better by his being so remorseful as frequently to moan ‘Sixty threepennorths.’
1864. F. W. Robinson, Mr. Stewart’s Intentions, ch. i. ‘Well, sermons always gave me the horrors, and engendered a hate of the sermonizer.’
1883. Stevenson, Treasure Island ch. iii., p. 20 (1886). If I don’t have a dram o’ rum, Jim, I’ll have the horrors.