5. (common).—A generic diminutive, prob. of turf origin: as pony = a very small horse, and pony-stakes = an insignificant event. Whence (generally) in comparison, anything of small size, stature, or value. Hence, pony = (1) a small glass ('a pony of ale, or stout'), containing a gill, or (of wines and spirits) a mouthful: (2) a woman of very small stature. Also pony-brandy = the best brandy: as served in a pony-glass; pony-purse = an impromptu collection: of small contributions. The word is becoming recognised: as in pony-saw, pony-engine, and pony-truck.
1885. New York Journal, Aug. 'I'm on the inside track,' said a pony of beer as it went galloping down a man's throat.
1896. Crane, Maggie, vii. Bring d'lady a big glass! What use is dat pony?
6. (venery).—The penis: see Prick.
d. 1796. Burns, Merry Muses, 'Ye Hae Lien Wrang, Lassie.' Ye've let the pounie o'er the dyke, And he's been in the corn.
7. (common).—A gaffing-coin (q.v.); a piece showing either two heads or two tails. Whence, to sell the pony (or lady) = to toss for drinks: certain coins, say twelve, are placed one on top of another, all, save one, being turned the same way; the coins are cut, as at cards, and he who cuts the single piece has to pay, having bought the pony.
See Jerusalem.
Poodle, subs. (common).—A dog:
in sarcasm, without reference to
breed.
Poon, verb. (Winchester College).—To
prop a piece of furniture with
a wedge.—Wrench.
Poona, subs. (costermongers').—A
sovereign: cf. ponte.
Poona Guards, subs. phr. (military).—The
East Yorkshires, formerly
the 15th Regiment of Foot:
also "The Snappers."
Poont, subs. (common).—In pl. =
the paps: see Dairy.
Poop, subs. (old).—1. A worthless
creature, a weakling, a nincumpoop
(q.v.); (2) the posteriors:
see Stern and verb. sense 3;
and (3) the face (cf. Shakspeare,
1 Henry IV., Falstaff to Bardolph,
&c., 'Thou art our admiral,
thou bearest the lantern in the
poop, but 'tis in the nose of
thee').
1598. Shakspeare, 1 Hen. IV., iii. 4. Fals. Thou art our admiral, thou bearest the lantern in the poop, but 'tis in the nose of thee.
1706. Ward, Wooden World, 67. He crawls up upon Deck, to the Piss-dale, where, while he manages his Whip-staff with one hand, he scratches his Poop with the other.
Verb. (old).—1. To overcome; to be set down.
1551. Still, Gammer Gurton's Needle, ii. 1. But there ich was powpte indeed.
1609. Shakspeare, Pericles, iv. 2. She quickly pooped him, she made him roast meat for worms.
2. (venery).—To copulate: see Greens and Ride. Hence poop-noddy = copulation.
1606. Wily Beguiled [Hawkins, Eng. Drama, iii. 310]. I saw them close together at poop-noddy.
3. (vulgar).—To break wind: also as subs.—Bailey (1728).
