1887. Punch, Sept. 17, p. 126. I have just got the 'bullet,' Mate—sacked without notice.
Bullfinch, subs. (old).—1. A stupid fellow.
2. (hunting.)—A high thick hedge; one difficult to jump or rush through. [Most authorities agree in suggesting the origin of this term in a corruption of 'bull-fence,' i.e., a fence capable of preventing cattle from straying.]
1832. Quart. Rev., Mar., 226. The bull-finch fence . . . is a quickset hedge of perhaps fifty years' growth, with a ditch on one side or the other, and so high and strong that [one] cannot clear it. [m.]
1864. G. A. Lawrence, Guy Livingstone, ch. ix. The third is a teaser—an ugly black bull-finch with a ditch on the landing side, and a drop into a ploughed field.
1880. The Times, Nov. 2, p. 4, col. 5. They are almost invariably attired in double-stitched shooting coats, that will stand the ordeal of 'bull-finches' and brambles.
1889. Man of the World, June 29. See Harrington, the belted earl, bear down an opponent in the jousts, charging with lance or sword as if he were riding at a South Notts bull-finch.
Bull-Jine, subs. (nautical).—A sailor's term for a locomotive. [Thought to be of American origin, New York thieves using the same term, as also an abbreviated form—bull.]
Bull Money, subs. (harlotry).—Money extorted from or given by those who in places of public resort have been detected in flagrante delicto with a woman, as a bribe to silence.
Bull-Nurse, subs. (nautical).—See quot.
1885. Graphic, April 4, p. 326, col. 3. Bull-nurses.' Perhaps we ought to apologise for using this word; but years ago (it may be so still) it was the sailors' phrase to indicate a male-attendant on the sick.
Bullock, subs. (schoolboys').—1. See quot.
1855. J. K., in Notes and Queries, 1 S., v., 12, 3 Nov., p. 344. Bullock, a cheat; but as I think, only when cheating at marbles.
2. (Australian.)—A countryman or bushman. Cf., Bullock-puncher.
Verb.—To bully; to bounce over; to intimidate. [Query from bully.]
1716. M. Davies, Ath. Brit., I., 272. Upon the evidence of that bullocking Fryer Campanella. [m.]
1750. Fielding, Tom Jones, bk. II., ch. vi. 'And then you have charged me with bullocking you into owning the truth.'
1763. Foote, Mayor of Garratt, Act ii., Sc. 2. She shan't think to bullock and domineer over me.
1785. Grose, Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. Bullock, to hector, bounce, or bully.
Bullocks Heart.—See Token.
Bullock's Horn, verb (rhyming slang).—To pawn. For synonyms, see Pop.
Bull Party, subs. (old).—A party of men only. Cf., Bull-dance, Stag-party, Hen-tea, etc.
Bull-Puncher.—A variant of cow-puncher (q.v).
Bull's Eye, subs. (schoolboys').—1. A sweetmeat of which peppermint is an important ingredient. [It received its name in allusion to its globular shape.]
1825. Hone, Every-day Bk., I., 51. Hardbake, brandy-balls, and bull's-eyes. [m.]
