Page:Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant (1889) by Barrere & Leland.djvu/43

 In Ireland "a regular acres man" meant a professed duellist. From "the fifteen acres," formerly a field famous for duels in Dublin. In India, Acre Farm, near Calcutta, is used for duels, hence "a regular acre's man."

Across lots (American). "In the most expeditious manner" (as regards time), or (as regards distance) "by the shortest cut." "He may be said to have attained place and power across lots," i.e., with great rapidity. This phrase comes down to us from the old settlers' days, when the shortest road then, as indeed now, was across lots, and not by the main road.

You would cut across the lot like a streak of lightning if you had a chance.—Charcoal Sketches, i. 35.

And in the "Biglow Papers," Mr. J. Russell Lowell says :—

"To all the mos' across lot ways of preachin' an' convertin'."

Acting dickey (naval), an officer acting as lieutenant although not confirmed by the Admiralty. (Legal), a clerk or agent acting in the name of a lawyer on the Rolls. The practice of acting dickey is generally resorted to in questionable proceedings.

Action (American), quick work, an immediate result. Western card playing, &c, slang.

"That's my kind," says old Sam; "you get action there at every turn. No waiting for any darned cards to turn up."—F. Francis: Saddle and Moccasin.

Actionize, to (legal), to cite before a legal tribunal.

Act of Parliament (old), small beer. A military term referring to the fact that publicans were by Act of Parliament compelled to supply billeted soldiers with five pints daily gratis. There is a story current among the Chelsea veterans that the Duke of Wellington saw a soldier warming his weak regulation beer. His Grace said, "Damn the belly that won't warm Act of Parliament." The soldier replied, "Damn the Act of Parliament, it won't warm the belly."

Actual (American), "the actual," money.

As for happiness in this world without the rhino, the chink, or the actual, you might as soon think of winning a woman's affections in a raffle.—Dow's Sermons.

Ad., advert. (printer's), abbreviations for advertisement.

"I want this adver. where it won't show," said a lawyer, as he entered the office of a newspaper. "It's got to be published to comply with the law, but it pertains to a divorce case, and we don't want any more publicity than we can help. Let me see; your paper is Democratic, isn't it?"

The editor replied that it was.

"Then run this ad. in under the church notices. It will never be seen there by your subscribers," said the lawyer.—American Newspaper.

Adam (popular), master-man, foreman, or superintendent; termed also "gaffer" or "boss of the show."