Old Fogs, subs. phr. (military).—The 87th Foot, now the Royal Irish Fusiliers. [From their battle-cry, 'Fag-an-Bealach' = 'Clear the Way']. Also "Blayney's Bloodhounds" and "The Rollickers."
Old gentleman, subs. phr. (card-sharpers').—1.
See quot.
1828. G. Smeeton, Doings in London, 77. An old gentleman (a card somewhat larger and thicker than the rest of the pack, and now in considerable use amongst the 'legs').
2. (common).—The devil: see Skipper.
1727. De Foe, Hist. App. [1729], 364. The devil is not so black as he is painted, but that you may form such images of the old gentleman [etc.]. M.
1836. Buckstone, Marana, ii. 1. They do say, if he's not the old gentleman himself he is a very near relation. . . . Gil. And as true as you stand there, only two evenings ago I saw his Satanic Majesty.
1840. Barham, Ingoldsby Legends (Lay of St. Nicholas). And how, to the day of their death, the old gentleman Never attempted to kidnap them more.
Old Glory, subs. phr. (American).—The
United States' flag (1770-1844).
Old Gooseberry, subs. phr. (common).—The
devil: see Skipper.
1861. H. Kingsley, Ravenshoe, xxxvii. Hornby (who would, like Faust, have played chess with Old Gooseberry) allowed himself to be taken into a skittle-ground.
To play old Gooseberry, verb. phr. (common).—To play the devil.—Grose (1785); Bee (1823).
1819. Moore, Tom Crib, 22. Will play up old gooseberry soon with them all.
1835. Selby, Catching an Heiress, 1. Go to the fair, get jolly, and play up old gooseberry.
1843. Barham, Ingoldsby Legends (Bloudie Jack). There's a pretty to do! All the people of Shrewsbury Playing old gooseberry, With your choice bits of taste and virtù.
1843. Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit, xxxviii. I'll play old gooseberry with the office.
1865. H. Kingsley, Hillyars and the Burtons, lxii. Lay on like old gooseberry.
1892. Globe, 12 July, 2, 2. We all know his capacity for playing old gooseberry with things in general.
Old gown, subs. (com n).—Smuggled
tea.
Old hand. See Old bird.
Old Harry, subs. phr. (common).—The
devil. Also The Lord
Harry. See Skipper.—Grose
(1785).
1687. Congreve, Old Bach., ii. 2. By the Lord Harry he says true.
1744. O'Hare, Midas, ii. 1. I swear by the Lord Harry, The moment madam's coffined—Her I'll marry.
1810. Poole, Hamlet Travestie, i. 1. I'll speak to it, should even Old Harry dare me.
1849. Lytton, Caxtons, viii. ch. ii. By the Lord Harry! muttered the policeman, if he ben't going to sleep again!
1866. Mahony, Reliques of Father Pront, 'Vert-Vert.' Nay sometimes, too, by the Lord Harry! He'd pull their caps and 'scapulary.'
2. (old).—See quot. 1696.
1696. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Old Harry, a composition used by Vintners, when they bedevil their Wines.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
To play old Harry, verb. phr. (common).—To play the devil: see Play.
1837. Marryat, Dog Friend, xlvii. They've played old Harry with the rigging.
