Huck, verb. (old).—To chaffer; to bargain.
1577. Holinshead, Description of England, ed. 1807, i., 315. It was his custome likewise to saie, if anie man hucked hard with him about the price of a gelding: ‘So God helpe me … either he did cost me so much,’ or else, ‘By Jesus I stole him.’
Huckleberry. Above one’s huckleberry (bend, or hook), adv. phr. (American).—Beyond one’s ability; out of one’s reach. See Bend.
1848. J. F. Cooper, The Oak Openings. It would be above my bend to attempt telling you all we saw among the red skins.
1852. ‘L’Allegro,’ As Good as a Comedy, p. 61. Well, Squire Barry, you’re a huckleberry above my persimmon, but I reckon something can be done.
Huckle-my-butt, subs. (old).—Beer, egg, and brandy made hot.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1834. Ainsworth, Rookwood, iii., 5. ‘If that’s a bowl of huckle-my-butt you are brewing, Sir William,’ added he, addressing the knight of Malta, ‘you may send me a jorum at your convenience.’
Huckster, subs. (old: now recognised).—1. A retailer of small goods; a pedlar.
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Huckster, the Retailers of the Market, who Sell in the Market at second Hand.