Old Salt. An old sailor who has sniffed the brine of the ocean from his youth.
Old Scotland Yard. See “[Scotland Yard].”
Old Soldiers. An Americanism for cigar-ends, because they are the remnants of the originals that have done good service.
Old Sport. An Americanism for a broken-down gambler.
Old Tom. The name first given to gin by Thomas Norris, who, after having long been employed in the distillery of Messrs Hodges, opened a gin palace in Covent Garden, and perpetuated the affectionate name of “Old Tom Chamberlain,” his former master.
Old Toughs. The nickname of the 103rd Foot, merited during the Indian Mutiny.
Old Woman. In stage parlance an actress who plays old women’s parts. A fine distinction is, however, drawn between “old women” and what are called “Aristocratic Old Women.”
On the Tapis. Tapis is French for a carpet; expressive also of the cloth or kind of tapestry which covered the table in the Council Chamber when French was the language spoken at the English Court.
On the Tenterhooks. To have one’s curiosity fully aroused; on the tiptop of expectation. The phrase has been derived from the mode of tentering or stretching cloth upon hooks after it is woven.
On the Tiptoe of Expectation. A phrase derived from the crowds awaiting a public procession. As soon as the music is heard everyone stands on tiptoe, and looks in the direction whence the sounds proceed.