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 (literally 'dear.' Cf., French belle petite, 'little darling.')

The Spanish Germania has gaya to signify a prostitute. This is an exact equivalent of the French fille de joie or 'gay girl'; gaya in Spanish signifies 'gay.' Another name is found in germana, in explanation of which it may be briefly explained that the Spanish argot or Germania took its name from a band or brotherhood of thieves and robbers; and it would thus appear that germana, the name for a female member of the band was also used generically for a prostitute! Marca, or marquida and marquisa are also all used in the sense of a public woman. It may be noted that in the Italian marchesata stands for a woman when under menstruation, the physiological fact itself being called marchese; mercenario, a street walker, also signifies a nun of the religious order of La Merced.

Barracking, subs. (Australian).—Banter; chaff. Cf., Barrikin.

Barrel-Boarder, subs. (American).—A loafer in low drinking-saloons.

Barrel-Campaign, subs. (American).—Political contests in which bribery and corruption go hand-in-hand with canvassing and voting. A wealthy candidate for office is said to have originated the phrase by remarking, 'Let the boys know that there's a bar'l o' money ready for 'em,' or words to that effect. The use of the term in this sense became general about 1876.—See Boodle.

1884. Boston (Mass.) Journal, 1 Nov., 1. We are accustomed to barrel-campaigns here. Nobody supposes this district to be Democratic, but the Democrats depend upon carrying it with money.

1888. Florida Times Union, Feb. 11, p. 4. It will be remembered that Mr. Flower was the nominal candidate of the anti-Cleveland men four years ago, and with the aid of his barrel they really did achieve some show of success.

Barrel-Fever, subs. (popular).—An indisposition caused by excessive drinking. 'He died of barrel-fever'; i.e., 'he killed himself through drink.' For synonyms, see Gallon distemper.

Barrel-House, subs. (American).—A low groggery.

1888. Missouri Republican, Feb. 11. The West-Side police are still arresting barrel-house loafers in the hope of catching an expert cracksman among them.

Barrell's Blues, subs. phr. (military).—A nickname given to the Fourth Foot. [From its facings and Colonel's name from 1734 to 1739] They are also called 'the Lions,' from the ancient badge of the regiment.

Barres, subs. (gaming).—Money lost at play, but not paid. The term is an old one, and has long been obsolete. A corrupt form of 'barrace,' an obsolete plural of 'bar.'

Barrikin, subs. (common).—Gibberish; jargon; a jumble of words. For usage, see quotation.

1851-61. H. Mayhew, London Lab. and Lon. Poor, vol. I., p. 15. 'The high words in a tragedy we call jaw-breakers, and say we can't tumble to that barrikin.' Ibid, p. 25. Can't tumble to your barrikin [i.e., can't understand you]. Ibid, p. 27. The rich has all that barrikin to themselves.

Barring.—See To bar.