Drachenfels. German for “dragon rocks.” Here Siegfried, the hero of the Niebelungenlied, slew the dragon.
Draft on Aldgate Pump. A punning phrase for a worthless bill or cheque.
Draggletail. A slovenly woman who allows her skirts to draggle or trail in the mire of the street.
Dragoman. From the Turkish drukeman, an interpreter. A dragoman is in the East what a “Cicerone” is in Italy and elsewhere in Western Europe.
Dragoons. From the ancient musket called a dragon, or “spitfire.” The muzzle was embellished with a representation of a dragon.
Draper. One who dealt in cloth for draping only, as distinct from a mercer, milliner, or mantle-maker.
Drapers’ Gardens. The property of the Drapers’ Company, whose hall is situated here.
Drat it. A corruption of “Odd rot it,” from the old oath, “God rot them.”
Drawer. The old name for an inn or tavern keeper’s assistant, who drew the beer from the casks.
Drawing-room. Originally “Withdrawing-room” to which the ladies withdrew after dinner while the gentlemen sat over their wine.