Page:A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew, in its several tribes, of gypsies, beggers, thieves, cheats, &c. with an addition of some proverbs, phrases, figurative speeches, &c.djvu/136

 *ing of Game, with Dogs, Netts, Snares &c. Contrary to the Laws; also an Egg Boyld in Water out of the Shell.

Poke, a Bag, Sack, or Pocket. ''To buy a Pig in a Poke'', or unsight or unseen. ''To carry your Passions in your Pocket'', or smother your Passions.

Poker, one that conveys Coals (at Newcastle) in Sacks, on Horseback; also a pointed Porr to raise the Fire, and a Sword.

Polt on the Pate, a good Rap there.

Poltron, a Coward.

Ponyard, a short Dagger or Stilletto.

Porker, c. a Sword.

Porters, Hirelings to carry Burthens, Beasts of Burthen, or else Menial Servants set to Guard the Gates in a great Man's House, of whom Dr. Donne said pleasantly, that he was ever next the Door, yet the seldomest Abroad of any of the Family. Portable, Pocketable.

Portage, Carriage of any thing, whether by Land or Water.

Posse Mobilitatis, the whole Rabble in a Body.

Post, Employment, Office, Station; also an advanced, or advantagious piece of Ground: A Pillar in the Way or Street. From Pillar to Post, from Constable to Constable.

Pot-hooks, Scrawls or bad Writing.

Pot-valiant, Drunk.

Pot and Spit, Boyl'd and Roast. ''A little Pot is soon Hot'', or a little Fellow soon made angry. ''The Pot calls the Kettle black A'', when one accuses another of what he is as Deep in himself.

Poulain, a Bubo.

Powder-monkey, Boys planted at the Guns a Bord the Ship, to fetch Gun-powder &c. in the Engagement.

Powdring-Tub, the