devil = a lawyer who does routine work for another = attorney.]
1828. G. Griffin. Collegians, ch, xiii. 'I love a plain beef steak before a grilled attorney.'
(Thieves').—A shrewd, and often not over honest or scrupulous man who, possessing some knowledge of the law, acts in the capacity of legal adviser to those of the 'crooked craft' unfortunate enough to need assistance. Such men are generally solicitors and others whose names have been struck off the rolls, as also, occasionally, solicitors' clerks who have otherwise failed in life. Their practices are shady, but their fees are low.
Attorney-General's Devil.—See Devil.
Auctioneer. To tip or give the auctioneer.—A phrase borrowed from the sale room, and signifying 'to knock a man down.'
1863. G. A. Sala. Breakfast in Bed. Essay I., p. 4 (1864). And who, in return for a craven blow, can deliver the auctioneer well over the face and eyes.
Audit-Ale, subs. (Cambridge Univ.).—A special brew of ale, peculiar to Trinity College, made in the first instance for draught on audit days, whence its name.
1837. Barham. Ingoldsby Legends (Lay of S. Dunstan).
To be sure the best beer Of all did not appear. For I've said 'twas in June, and so late in the year The 'Trinity audit ale' is not come-at-able. As I've found to my great grief when dining at that table.
1876. Trevelyan. Life of Macaulay (1884), ch, iv., p. 127. A glass of the audit ale, which reminded him that he was still a fellow of Trinity.
Audley.—See John Audley.
Aufe.—See Oaf.
Auger, subs. (American thieves').— person given to prosiness is so called; a bore.
Aught, subs, (vulgarism).—A common illiteracy for 'naught' when naming the cipher—'o'.
Auld Hornie, subs. (common).—One of the numerous nicknames given to the devil. Others are, old nick; old scratch; old Harry; skipper; old gentleman; deuce; dickens; ruffian, etc.—See Skipper for synonyms.
Auld Reekie (popular).—A sobriquet for the old town of Edinburgh. It means 'old smoky.' Of late years it has been applied to the whole city.
1806. Miss Pitman, in C. K. Sharpe's Correspondence (1888), i., 271. We are within two hours-and-a-half of Auld Reeky.
1816. Scott. Antiquary, ch, vi. 'And what news do you bring us from Edinburgh. Montkbarns[** Monkbarns?]?' said Sir Arthur; 'how wags the world in Auld Reekie?'
1889. Colonies and India. July 24, p. 10, col. 1. The Australasian Colony in Auld Reekie is prospering apace, and it may soon be necessary to plant some gum trees along Princes Street to meet the growing demands of the population.
Auly-Auly, subs. (Win. Coll.).—A game formerly played in 'Grass Court' on Saturday afternoons after chapel. It consisted in throwing an india-rubber ball at one another, and
