Housey, adj. (Christ’s Hospital).—Belonging to the Hospital.
Housle, verb. (Winchester College).—To hustle.
Hoveller, subs. (nautical).—A beach-thief.
How. How came you so? phr. (old).—Drunk. For synonyms, see Drinks and Screwed.
1824. T. Hook, Sayings and Doings, 1st S. Merton, ch. xiii. Ould Mrs. Etherington was a right bad one; she used to be Lord, how come you so! every night, as regular as she went to bed.
How much? phr. (common).—‘What do you say?’ ‘What do you mean?’ What price?—a general request for explanations.
1852. F. E. Smedley, Lewis Arundel, ch. xxxiv. ‘Then my answer must mainly depend on the exact height of the principles.’ ‘On the how much?’ inquired Frere, considerably mystified.
How are you off for soap, phr. (old).—A street catch.
1833. Marryat, Peter Simple, ch. iv. Well, Reefer, how are you off for soap?
1842. Punch, ii., 94, c. 2. Walker! how are you off for soap?