1879. J. W. Horsley, in Macm. Mag., XL., 502. The mob got me up a break (collection), and I got between five or six foont (sovereigns).
Break Down, subs. (Australian).—1. A measure of liquor.—See quotation.
1759. Frank Fowler, Southern Lights and Shadows, p. 53. To pay for liquor for another is to 'stand,' or to 'shout,' or to 'sacrifice.' The measure is called a 'nobbler,' or a break-down.
2. (common.)—A noisy dance; also, a convivial gathering. The term was, at first, specially applied to a negro dance, but is now in general use in England in a humorous sense. Also used as a verb, i.e., to break down, to dance riotously; to be boisterous and 'spreeish.' For synonyms, see Flare up.
1864. Yates, Broken to Harness, II., p. 54. And Mr. Pingle retired into the next room, where he indulged in the steps of a comic dance popular with burlesque actors, and known as a nigger break-down.
1873. Sat. Review, May, p. 676. We shall not be surprised to learn that they have serious thoughts of engaging a few comic singers and break-down dancers for their next campaign.
1883. Daily News, March 26, p. 2, col. 4. A patter song . . . was twice redemanded, chiefly, it appeared, for the sake of a comical 'break-down' danced by the demented king.
Break o' Day Drum (American thieves').—A drinking saloon which keeps its doors open all night.
Break One's Back, verbal phr. (colloquial).—To become bankrupt; an extension of the figurative usage to overpower; render nugatory; crush.
1601. Shakspeare, Henry VIII., Act i., Sc. 1. Aber. I do know Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have By this so sicken'd their estates, that never They shall abound as formerly. Buck. O, many Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em For this great journey.
1620. Middleton, Chaste Maid, iii., 2. [The word is here used in the sense of bankruptcy and ruin.]
1887. Baring Gould, The Game-cocks, ch. xxviii. 'They are very poor, and have made a hard fight to get on. I fear this change would break their backs.'
1888. Ashton, Mod. Street Ballads, p. 13. The cesses, rates, and tithes nearly breaks their backs.
Break One's Egg.—See Crack one's egg.
Break Out All Over or In a Fresh Spot, etc., verbal phr. (American).—Expressions in common use—in the one case conveying an idea of completeness; and, in the other, of commencing some new undertaking, or assuming a different position whether in an argument or action. These usages may be traced to the phraseology of medicine.
Break Shins, verbal phr. (general).—To borrow money. Hotten thinks the term is a variant of 'to kick,' formerly in use with a similar meaning. This may be so, but it is worthy of note that 'to shin' is colloquial in America in the sense of 'to walk quickly,' 'to gad about'; but having particular reference also, in mercantile phraseology, to the action of a man who, finding himself short of money to meet his engagements, goes round to his friends to borrow what he requires. To bite the ear (q.v.) has the same signification; but for synonyms, see Shins.
