B
BREECHES - BRUTISHNESS
BREECHES - see TROUSERS
BREED - nouns
• CASTE † a race, stock, or breed of men ...1555
• DEGREE an type or breed, as of a dog ...1962 Amer. dial.
BREEDING - adjectives
• BEATING WITH CHILD breeding ...1691 Eng. dial.
• HAIR ABOUT THE HEELS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HAIRY ABOUT THE FETLOCKS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HAIRY ABOUT THE HEELS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HALF-BRED † imperfectly acquainted with the rules of good breeding; under-bred ...a1732
• OF GOOD FASHION † of high quality or breeding; of eminent social standing or repute ...c1675
• OF HIGH FASHION † of high quality or breeding; of eminent social standing or repute ...c1489
breeding - nouns
• AFAITEMENT † training, proper behaviour, breeding ...c1300
• BREEDING education; good breeding ...1911 Sc.
• RACE † breeding; the production of offspring ...1607
• TIGHT † good breeding; behaviour; bringing up, rearing, training, education ...c888
BREEZE - see WIND
BREWER - nouns
• ALE SPINNER a brewer or publican ...Bk1890 sl.
• BUNG a brewer or landlord of a public house ...1860 sl.
BREWING - nouns
• BEEROCRACY a ludicrous name for the brewing and beer-selling interest ...1881
• TINE † a vessel for brewing; a tub, a vat ...1337
BRIBE, BRIBERY - adjectives
• APPROACHABLE pert. to a person who will take bribes ...sl.
• BAGGED having been made amenable by a bribe ...1974 criminals' sl.
• BOODLEISTIC addicted to bribery and corruption ...1898 sl.
• EASY seeking or willing to accept bribes ...1872 US criminals' sl.
• ON protected from police action by bribes ...1973 US sl.
• ON THE PAD accepting bribes or paying bribes ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• ON THE TAKE taking bribes ...1930 sl., orig. US
• VENAL easily bribed or corrupted
bribe, bribery - nouns
• ANGEL’S OIL money used for bribery ...L16 sl.
• AXLE GREASE money, esp. that used for purposes of bribery ...1891 Amer. sl.
• BACK-HANDER a bribe, a payoff for services rendered ...1910s sl.
• BACK OF THE HAND DOWN bribery ...L19 sl.
• BOODLE a bribe ...1883 sl., orig. US
• BOODLEISM bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1894 sl.
• BOODLERISM bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1887 sl.
• BOODLERY bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1887 sl.
• BOODLING bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1890 sl.
• BUNG a bribe ...1958 Brit. sl.
• CUMSHAW a bonus, referring to a bribe rather than a reward or present ...US Civil War usage
• DAB IN THE FIST, A a bribe; a gratuity ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• DAB IN THE HAND, A a bribe; a gratuity ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• DASH bribery; the money paid as a bribe...L18 sl.
• DAUB a bribe ...18C sl.
• DAUB OF THE HAND, A a greasing of the palm, a bribe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DAWB a bribe ...18C sl.
• DROP money given as alms or a bribe; the act of so giving money ...1930 sl.
• DROPSY money; often applied specifically to money paid as a tip or bribe ...1930 sl.
• DUSTOOR a bribe, a sweetener, a commission ...L17 Anglo-Indian
• DUSTOORIE a bribe, a sweetener, a commission ...L17 Anglo-Indian
• EARNER a bribe, often paid as regularly as more legitimate wages ...1960s UK police sl.
• END that proportion of one's illicit gains that is used to bribe the police ...1940s sl.
• FALL DOUGH money set aside by a criminal for bribing policemen or obtaining bail if he is arrested ...1910 US criminals' sl.
• FALL MONEY funds saved by criminals to pay lawyers, secure cash bail, and to bribe officials ...1893 Amer. criminals' sl.
• FEE † a bribe ...1549
• GRAFT practices, esp. bribery, used to secure illicit political advantage ...1865 sl., orig. US
• HANDY-DANDY † something held or offered in the closed hand; a covert bribe or present ...1362
• HUSH MONEY a bribe paid to obtain silence ...1709 UK
• ICE protection money, bribes, extortion ...1948 US sl.
• JUICE a bribe ...1698 UK sl.
• JUICE MONEY a bribe ...1981 US sl.
• KICK a bribe ...1953 US sl.
• MITTEN MONEY extra money, either in the form of a tip or a bribe ...1975 US sl.
• OIL bribe money; a bribe ...1903 Amer. sl.
• OIL OF ANGELS 1. a gift, a bribe ...16C sl.
2. money used for bribery ...L16 sl.
• OIL OF PALM(S) money, usually in the form of a bribe ...E17 sl.
• OILSKIN a bribe ...1925 US sl.
• ONCE A WEEK a regular (weekly) bribe paid to a local official or law officer ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• PAD 1. the regular bribes paid to members of a US police department ...1940s US criminals' sl.
2. an establishment that pays bribes to the local police ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• PALM a bribe ...L19 US sl.
• PALM-GREASE money given as a douceur or bribe ...1897 humorous
• PALM-GREASING petty bribery, tipping ...1886 humorous
• PALMISTRY bribery ...1828
• PALM-OIL money give as a douceur or bribe, a tip ...a1627 humorous
• PALM SOAP money, usually in the form of a bribe ...E17 sl.
• PAY-OFF a bribe ...1930 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• PAYOLA a bribe or other secret payment to induce someone to use their influence to promote a commercial product, esp. one made to a disc jockey for plugging a record ...1938 sl., orig. US
• POULTICE a large amount of money; applied esp. to money used as a bribe ...1904 Aust. sl.
• PROTECTION bribe money paid to the police, an individual policeman, or politicians, for allowing illegal activities to continue without interference, any money paid to protect the payer without arrest ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• PROTECTION MONEY 'Protection' ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• RADDLINGS money spent in bribery; the act of bribing ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RAKE-OFF money obtained from a crime or as a bribe ...1899 US sl.
• SALVE a bribe ...1910s US sl.
• SCHMEAR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SCHMEER a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SCHMERE a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMEAR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMEER a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMIR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SLING a bribe ...1948 Aust. sl.
• SLING BACK a bribe ...1948 Aust. sl.
• SLUSH FUND a reserve fund esp. for political bribery ...1874 sl., orig. US
• SOAP 1. money; latterly esp. applied to money used in bribery ...1860 US sl.
2. a bribe ...1972 US sl.
• SQUEEZE-PIDGIN a bribe ...1946 sl.
• SWEETENER a bribe ...1847 sl.
• TAKE money acquired by theft or fraud, bribery ...1888 sl., orig. US
• UNGUENTUM AUREUM a bribe ...L16
• VAIL a gift or present in the nature of a bribe ...1687
bribe, bribery - person
• ACCOMMODATOR - † one who bribes witnesses and prosecutors into bringing about a desired verdict, esp. a former police officer ...1940 criminals' sl.
• BAGMAN - a messenger, a go-between, esp. one who conveys a bribe from the one who offers it to the one who accepts ...1952 sl., orig. US
• BAG WOMAN - a woman who collects or distributes the proceeds of illicit activities; a woman who organizes bribes for the police, civil authorities, etc. ...1960 orig. & chiefly US
• BOODLER - one who practices bribery and corruption ...1894 sl.
• BURGLAR - a swindler - a bribe-taker ...1920s US sl.
• DARK GLIM - a dark lanthorn ...M18 UK criminals' sl.
• DARK LANTERN - a servant or agent who takes and transmits a bribe offered to his master ...1679 sl.
• DARK LANTHORN - a servant or agent who takes and transmits a bribe offered to his master ...L17 sl.
• HINDU - one who cannot be bribed ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• ICEMAN - one who is given bribes by gangsters, etc., as a corrupt policeman ...1960s sl.
• MONEY-TAKER - † a person who takes bribes ...c1616
• MUNCH-PRESENT - one who takes bribes ...M16 sl.
• SNEAKER - a person engaged in an illegal enterprise who does not pay a regular bribe to the police but does when confronted ...1973 US sl.
• TAKE-ARTIST - one who regularly gains income from the taking of bribes, illicit commissions, etc. ...1955 US sl.
• UNTOUCHABLE - a person or politician insusceptible of bribery ...1933 US criminals' sl.
bribe, bribery - verbs
• BACK-HAND to give a bribe ...1960s sl.
• BAG to bribe someone; to arrange an outcome ...1948 US sl.
• BOODLE to bribe; to give or take bribes ...1890 sl., orig. US
• BOODLEIZE to bribe ...1886 sl.
• BUNG to bribe ...1950 sl.
• CHALK THE LAMPPOST to pay a bribe ...1857 US sl.
• COME to yield to bribery or persuasion ...1970 UK sl.
• COP to receive bribes, esp. of a policeman ...1970s UK criminals' sl.
• COP A DROP of police: to accept a bribe ...1910s UK criminals' sl.
• DAUB to bribe ...c1690 sl.
• DAWB to bribe ...c1690 sl.
• EARN of a policeman: to take bribes ...1950s UK criminals' sl.
• FAKE to receive a gratuity illegally; to knowingly accept a bribe ...L19 sl.
• FEE † to bribe ...1375
• FEED WITH MONEY † to bribe ...1567
• FIX to influence by illegal means, esp. bribery ...1790 sl., orig. US
• GET TO to bribe ...1927 US sl.
• GO IN THE BAG to accept a bribe ...1942 Amer. criminal sl.
• GREASE THE HAND OF to influence by giving money to; to bribe ...sl.
ׇ• GREASE THE PALM OF to influence by giving money to; to bribe ...1807 sl.
• HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR to take or attempt to take advantage of one's position by demanding or accepting favours or bribes ...colloq.
• HORSESHED to coach; to try to influence another's opinion; to bribe ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• ICE to pay bribes, to pay protection money ...1930s US sl.
• JUICE to bribe, to pay for influence ...1953 US sl.
• LUBE to bribe; to tip ...1950s sl.
• LUBRICATE to bribe ...1928 sl.
• OIL to pay graft or bribery money; to fix the police or other public officials ...1920s US sl.
• OIL SOMEONE'S PALM to bribe ...20C colloq.
• OIL THE FIST to bribe ...1652
• OIL THE HAND to bribe ...1652
• OIL THE KNOCKER to bribe a doorman ...1870 Brit. sl.
• OIL THE PALM to bribe ...17C sl.
• OIL UP to bribe ...1894 Amer. sl.
• OVER-MONEY to bribe; to win by means of a bribe ...a1661 obs. nonce word
• PAINT to bribe ...c1890 US sl.
• PALM to pass over money as a bribe; to bribe ...1747
• PALM-OIL to bribe; to pay off ...L19 sl.
• PALTER † to barter; to corrupt, to bribe ...1641
• REACH to bribe ...1906 US sl.
• SALT to bribe ...1896 Eng. dial.
• SALVE to pay, usually a reward; also, to bribe ...20C US sl.
• SCHMEAR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SCHMEER to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SCHMERE to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHIRK THE ROUNDBOTTOM to avoid a criminal charge through bribery ...E19 UK criminals' sl.
• SHMEAR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHMEER to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHMIR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SLING vb. to pay a bribe ...c1907 Aust. sl.
• SOAP to bribe ...US & Can. sl.
• SQUARE to conciliate by bribery ...1859 sl.
• TAKE to accept bribery ...1920s sl.
• TAKE CARE OF to bribe; to exert (political) pressure on ...1920s sl.
• TAKE IT to accept a bribe ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE TIP to accept a bribe ...E19 sl.
• WAGE † to bribe ...1461
bribe, bribery - phrases
• IN THE BAG made amenable by bribery ...1921 Amer. criminal sl.
BRIBED - adjectives
• LINKED bribed ...1964 US sl.
• ON A PENSION of a policeman: having been bribed ...1996 Brit. sl.
• PALMED used of one who has been bribed ...19C sl.
• VENAL of persons: capable of being bought over or bribed; of an unprincipled and hireling character ...1670
• VENDIBLE † able to be bribed ...1609
• WAGED † bribed ...1561
bribed - nouns
• VENALITY readiness to give support or favour in return for profit or reward; prostitution of talent or principles for mercenary considerations; ability to be bribed ...a1683
BRIBING - nouns
• LURKOLA the practice of bribing, with cash or kind, those with access to the public to tout a product; it is ostensibly illegal and generally denied by its practitioners ...1950s Aust. sl.
BRICK - adjectives
• LATERITIOUS pert. to or resembling brick; made of brick; of the colour of brick, brick-red ...1656
brick - nouns
• ALLEY APPLE a brick, rock, or stone, usually when used as a missile ...1927 Amer. dial.
• IRISH BOUQUET any form of projectile, usually a stone or brick ...1960s US sl.
• IRISH CONFETTI bricks, esp. as thrown during riots ...M19 sl.
• WALL-TILE a brick ...1790 Eng. dial.
BRICKLAYER - person
• BRICKIE, BRICKY a bricklayer ...1880 sl.
• CAD a journeyman shoemaker, butcher, or bricklayer ...1876 Eng. dial.
• MASONER † a mason or bricklayer ...1605 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• PADDY a bricklayer ...1970s US sl.
bricklayer - person, other
• CAD - an assistant or confederate of a lower grade, as a bricklayer's labourer, or a builder's assistant ...1835
• PADDY a menial or manual labourer; a bricklayer's or builder's labourer ...1856
bricklayer - verbs
• PACK THE MUSTARD to work as a bricklayer or labourer ...1930s US tramp sl.
BRIDE (also see wedding) - nouns
• MAILIN(G) the outfit for a bride ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
bride - person
• DRAFT BAIT - a prospective bride ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FAT AND WIDE - a bride ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• GIRL-BRIDE - a young bride ...1847
• MOTHER'S PRIDE - a bride ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• SPOUSESS - † a female spouse - a wife - a bride - a married woman ...1388
• WEDDINGER - a member of a wedding party - rarely, a bride or groom - a newlywed ...1774 Amer. dial.
BRIDEGROOM (also see wedding) - person
• ALIKAY, ALLAKAY, ALLEKAY the bridegroom's man; he who attends on the bridegroom, or is employed as his precursor, at a wedding ...1818 Sc.
• SKINNY a bridegroom ...1992 UK rhyming sl. (skinny as a broom)
• SKINNY AS A BROOM a bridegroom ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• WEDDINGER a member of a wedding party; rarely, a bride or groom, a newlywed ...1774 Amer. dial.
BRIDESMAID (also see wedding) - person
• BEST MAID - the bridesmaid or chief bridesmaid ...1766 orig. & chiefly Sc.
• BRIDEMAID - a bridesmaid ...1851 Amer. dial.
• MAID BRIDE - a bridesmaid ...1965 Amer. dial.
• MAID'S BRIDE - a bridesmaid ...1965 Amer. dial. online
• PARANYMPH - in ancient Greece: the 'friend of the bridegroom' who accompanied the latter when he went to fetch home the bride - also, the bridesmaid who escorted the bride to the bridegroom - hence, a modern best man - a groomsman or a bridesmaid ...1600
• WAITER - † an attendant upon the bride at weddings - a bridesmaid ...1537 obs. exc, Amer. dial.
• WAITRESS - a bridesmaid at a wedding ...1966 Amer. dial.
BRIDGE - nouns
• BIRGE a bridge ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BOW the arch of a bridge ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOW-BRIG a one-arched bridge ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GANGPLANK a bridge ...1976 US sl.
• HUMP a bridge ...1981 UK Citizens' band radio sl.
• RATTIKER a foot-bridge ...B1900 Eng. dial.
bridge - verbs
• LAND † to throw a bridge across a river ...1637
BRIDLE - nouns
• BEARER a bridle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• GAB STRING a bridle ...1785 sl.
• GOB STRING a bridle ...L18 sl.
• NAB GARDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
• NAB GIRDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
• NOB GIRDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
bridle - verbs
• BRANK to bridle or restrain ...Bk1911 Sc.
BRIEF - adjectives
• CHILONIC † brief, compendious, either in speaking or writing ...1656
• COMPENDIARIOUS † brief, short, concise, abridged, compendious ...1730
• FLY-BY-NIGHT brief; impermanent ...colloq.
• HOT brief, quick ...1946 US sl.
• MOMENTAL † lasting only a moment; momentary, brief ...1606
• NARROW * of time: short, brief ...1611
• PAUCILOQUENT * speaking briefly; uttering few words ...1656
• QUEASY short, brief ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SHORT AND SWEET, LIKE A DONKEY'S GALLOP brief and pleasant ...L19 colloq.
• SUDDEN † brief, momentary, lasting only a short time ...1561
• TIMELESS †* of no duration; brief, short-lived ...1657
• WAFF brief, fleeting, short-lived ...1894 Sc.
BRIEFLY - adverbs
• IN A NEEDLE'S E'E in a nutshell, very briefly, giving only the main points ...1796 Sc.
BRIGHT (clever) - adjectives
• QUICK ON THE BUZZER bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• QUICK ON THE DRAW bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• QUICK ON THE TRIGGER bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• SAVVY bright, knowledgeable, aware ...L19
• SMART AS A STEEL-TRAP extremely bright and clever; very sharp and shrewd; intellectually alert, quick-witted ...1821 Amer. dial.
bright (clever) - person
• COOT a bright child ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• MOMZER a bright child ...Bk1998 New York sl.
BRIGHT (light) - adjectives
• BREME † brilliant, shining, bright; hence, clearly seen, evident, apparent, obvious ...c1340
• FACULENT †* bright, clear; giving forth light like a torch ...1560
• FAW † of objects that reflect light: bright, glancing, gleaming, twinkling ...c1000
• GAIRIE of bright or variegated colour, gaudy ...1804 Sc.
• GAIRY of bright or variegated colour, gaudy ...1804 Sc.
• GALLIERT brightly coloured, gaudy ...1915 Sc.
• GAY bright or lively-looking, esp. in colour; brilliant, showy ...a1300
• ILLUMINOUS † bright, illuminatory ...c1485
• ILLUSTRIOUS † lighted up, having lustre or brilliancy; luminous, shining, bright, lustrous ...c1605
• LUCULENT * full of light, bright, clear, shining ...c1420
• NAPPY of a place: bright, cheerful ...1894 Sc.
• NEAT † clear, bright ...1591
• NET † clean, free from filth, etc.; bright, clear ...1481
• QUICK * of colour: vivid, bright, dazzling ...1664
• RADIOUS † radiant, bright ...1500-20
• SCARVISH † bright, clear ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SHEER † bright; shining
• SIDEREAL * star-like; lustrous; bright ...1634
• SIDEREAN * sidereal, starry; like stars, shining, bright ...1656
• SUNBEAMED † as bright as the sun; genial, kind ...1588
• SUNBEAMY as bright as the sun ...a1849
• SUN-CLAD as bright as the sun ...1634 poetic
• VEEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VEHEMENT † vivid; intensely bright ...1635
• VIEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
BRIGHTEN - verbs
• ILLUME to light up; to make shining or bright, to brighten ...1602
• ILLUMINE to brighten as with light; to make radiant ...1508
• ILLUSTRATE † to make lustrous, luminous, or bright; to set off with bright colours; generally, to beautify, to adorn ...1592
• ILLUSTRE † to light up; to brighten ...1490
• RUTILATE †* to shine, to glitter; to emit rays of light; to appear bright ...1623
• UPCHEER †* to cheer up; to brighten, enliven, encourage ...c1586
BRIGHTLY - adverbs
• FAIR in a beautiful or comely manner; agreeably, beautifully, brightly, handsomely, nobly ...a1000
• GAY † brightly, showily, gaily ...1415
BRIGHTNESS (light) - nouns
• CANDESCENCE dazzling whiteness or brightness ...1880
• FACULENCE † brightness, clearness ...1727-36
• GAYNESS † gay appearance, brightness of colour, dressiness, display, pomp ...c1449
• LEAM light, flame; a flash, ray, or gleam of light; brightness, gleam ...c1175 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
BRILLIANCE, BRILLIANCY - nouns
• CANDOUR † brilliant whiteness; brilliancy ...1634
• ÉCLAT † brilliancy, radiance, dazzling effect ...1676
• ORIENCY * brilliancy, lustre ...1652
• ORIENTNESS † the quality of being 'orient'; lustre, brilliancy ...1519
BRILLIANT - adjectives
• DANK excellent, brilliant ...1989 US sl.
• DEADLY excellent; fantastic; brilliant; cool ...1960s sl. Aust. sl.
• GAY bright or lively-looking, esp. in colour; brilliant, showy ...a1300
• GEMMY gem-like; brilliant; glittering ...1580
• LUCULENT † of persons: brilliant, illustrious ...1599
• ORIENT brilliant, lustrous, shining, glowing, radiant, resplendent ...1430-40 arch.
• RANCID excellent, brilliant ...1993 Aust. sl.
• SPLENDICANT † resplendent, brilliant ...1592
• SPLENDIDIOUS † splendid, magnificent, brilliant, excellent, first-rate ...1432-50
• SPLENDIFEROUS splendid, fine, brilliant, gorgeous ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
brilliant - nouns
• DASHER a brilliant or dashing attempt or motion ...1884 colloq.
• DASHING a daring or brilliant action; a showy liveliness in manner, dress, behaviour ...c1800 colloq.
• DASHY a daring or brilliant action; a showy liveliness in manner, dress, behaviour ...c1820 colloq.
• DAZZLER a brilliant act ...c1835 sl.
brilliant - person
• BAMBER - an intellectual, a brilliant person ...1989 UK sl.
BRILLIANTLY - adverbs
• BREME † splendidly, brilliantly, clearly; loudly, fiercely ...a1000
• ORIENTLY † in an 'orient' manner; brilliantly, lustrously; clearly ...1515
BRIM - adjectives
• LABROSE having a brim, bank, or border ...1727
• LABROUS †* having a brim. bank, or border ...1656
brim - nouns
• BARM †* edge, brim ...c1340
• MARGENT margin, edge, or brim of anything ...1538 arch.
BRINDLED - adjectives
• BRANDIE brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAWNIT brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAWNY brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRINDLY brindled ...1949 Amer. dial.
BRINE - verbs
• SALSURE † a salting or seasoning brine ...1656
BRING - verbs
• APPORT † to bring ...L16
• DEDUCE † to lead, to bring ...1545
• I-BRINGE † to bring ...a1000
• LEND † to cause to come, to bring, to place ...a1200
• LUG to bring; to accompany ...1884 UK sl.
• WAIN † to carry, to bring, to convey ...a1300
BRINGING UP - nouns
• TIGHT † good breeding; behaviour; bringing up, rearing, training, education ...c888
BRINK - nouns
• CANT † edge, border, brink ...c1375
BRISK - adjectives
• ALACRIOUS † brisk, lively, active, cheerful, gay, joyful ...1602
• ACTIOUS † abounding in or giving rise to action; active, energetic, brisk ...1592
• BRISKY brisk, lively, active, energetic ...1590
• CANT bold, brisk, courageous, hearty, lusty, lively, merry, hale ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• CANTY cheerful, lively, brisk, active, gladsome ...a1724 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• CLARTY-FARTY moving briskly about; frisking; unsettled ...19C Eng. dial.
• COBBY stout, hearty, brisk, lively, pert, saucy, in good spirits, merry, cheerful, well in health ...1691 Eng. dial.
• DEEDFUL brisk, active ...1834
• DEEDY full of deeds or activity; active, brisk; ...1615 chiefly Eng. dial.
• GALLIARD lively, brisk, gay, full of high spirits ...c1386 arch.
• GLIB brisk, vigorous, spry ...1934 Amer. dial.
• JAUNTY lively, brisk ...1719
• KEDGE brisk, lively; in good spirits ...c1440 Eng. dial.
• KEDGY brisk, active, sprightly, lively; cheerful, happy ...1719 Eng. dial.
• KEEAKY brisk, lively ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• KIDGE brisk, active, lively ...1790 Eng. dial.
• KIDGED brisk ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• KIDGY brisk, active, sprightly ...1812 Eng. dial.
• QUEEDY brisk, sharp; shrewd ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUIDDY brisk, sharp; shrewd ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUIVER † active, nimble, brisk, smart, gay, lively; quick, rapid ...c960 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RASH active, vigorous; brisk, hale, hearty, nimble, quick; eager, impetuous ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• RATTLING lively, brisk, noisy; rollicking, wild ...1749 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ROARING brisk; successful; strong ...1831 sl.
• SNAPPY quick; brisk; energetic ...1831 Amer. sl.
• VEEFY of persons: brisk, lively ...1923 Sc.
• VEEVE of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VIEVE of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VIVE † 1. living; brisk, vigorous; fresh ...1610 Sc.
2. of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VOGEROUS keen, eager; brisk, active, strong, lusty ...1892 Sc. DSL online
• WAKEN alert, brisk, lively; sharp; intelligent, quick-witted ...1867 Eng. dial.
• YARE adj. alert, nimble, active, brisk, quick ...a1300 arch. & Eng. dial.
• YARK brisk, lively; sharp-witted, shrewd, penetrating ...1777 Eng. dial.
• YASP 1. active, brisk, energetic ...1898 Sc.
2. brisk, fresh ...1898 Sc.
• YEPE † active, nimble, brisk, alert, bold, daring ...c1205
• YEPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
• YERN † swift, rapid; brisk, lively; nimble, active ...a1300
• YIPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
brisk - person
• BIRKIE, BIRKY - a brisk, active, energetic person; a lively, smart, or mettlesome fellow ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• GALLIARD - a gay, lively fellow; a brisk, merry, pleasant person ...1768 arch.
• GILPY - * (sometimes derogatory) a young girl, esp. a lively, bold, saucy, or forward one; a brisk, light-hearted girl; a tomboy ...1720 Sc. & Irish English
• OLD TOAST - a brisk old fellow fond of his liquor - one who drinks to excess - a boon companion - a drunkard ...1698 sl.
• SPARK - a brisk, showy man; a fashionable or gallant young man; a dandy ...c1600
brisk - verbs
• BEAR A BOB to be brisk or active ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIRK UP to cheer up; to brisk up ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BREEZE to move or proceed briskly ...1907 US
• BRISKEN to make brisk or lively ...1799
• CANTER to move nimbly or briskly ...1761
• CUT A FEATHER to move briskly ...1684
• DIRL to move briskly; to rush ...1879 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAN to go about briskly; to ride or go fast, esp. on horseback ..1899 US sl., esp. Western
• PEARTEN UP to go more briskly ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SASHIATE to walk or go, esp. in a conspicuous, bold, or easy manner; to strut, to flounce, to saunter; to move briskly about ...1913 Amer. dial.
• SKICE † to move quickly and briskly; to skip or frisk about; to run ...1591 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
BRISKLY - adverbs
• CANTLY † boldly, briskly, eagerly, energetically, cheerily ...1352 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LIVE briskly, fast ...1967 Amer. dial.
• PEART briskly, quickly; in a lively or agreeable way ...1832 Amer. dial.
• YARE †* nimbly, briskly ...1622
• YARELY quickly, promptly, nimbly, briskly, diligently, eagerly ...a900 arch.
• YEPLY † quickly, briskly; promptly, without delay ...a1300
• YERNE † quickly, swiftly, rapidly, fast, briskly, at a great rate ...a1023
BRISKNESS - nouns
• QUICKNESS † animation, liveliness, briskness, vigour, freshness ...c1369
• VIR vigour, energy, activity, briskness, gusto, force, impetuosity ...1738 Sc.
• VIRR vigour, energy, briskness, gusto, force, impetuosity ...1738 Sc.
BRISTLE - nouns
• BIRSE a bristle; hair; a plume of hair or bristles ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUSSEL a bristle ...1815 Amer. dial.
• JAG † a protruding bristle, hair, or fibre; a hairy, bristly, or thread-like outgrowth or projection ...1519
bristle - verbs
• FEATHER UP to bristle, to prepare to fight ...1935 Amer. dial.
BRISTLY - adjectives
• THRISSLY abounding in thistles; bristly ...1804 Sc.
• THRISTLY abounding in thistles; bristly ...1804 Sc.
BRITAIN, BRITISH (also see England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, etc.) - adjectives
• PAMBRITANNICK † consisting of all the Britons or of all parts of Britain ...1709
• PAN-BRITANNIC † consisting of all the Britons or of all parts of Britain ...1709
• SOUTHRON dwelling in the south, especially of Great Britain ...c1470 chiefly Sc.
Britain, British - nouns
• AUNTIE the British Broadcasting Corporation ...1962 UK sl.
• AUNTY the British Broadcasting Corporation ...1962 UK sl.
• OLD COUNTRY, THE Great Britain ...1817
• OLD HOME Great Britain ...1886
• QUEEN, THE the UK's national anthem ...1952 UK sl.
Britain, British - person
• BENEFIT TOURIST - a person who travels to Britain in order to live off social security payments while untruthfully claiming to be seeking work ...1992 Brit. colloq.
• BLACK BRITON - a Black British person ...1971
• BLIMEY - a British person; an English person ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRIT - a British person ...1901 sl., now mainly US
• BRITISHER - a native or citizen of Britain ...orig. US
• BRITONESS - a female citizen of the United Kingdom
• GALLO-BRITON - one partly French and partly British, either in birth or sympathies ...1819
• JOHNNY CRAPOSE - a British seaman wearing a moustache ...c1815 nautical sl.
• LIMEJUICER - a Britisher ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• LIMEY - orig. a British immigrant, and hence, a British person ...1888 sl., orig. Aust., NZ & S. Afr.
• SASSENACH - the name given by the Gaelic inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland to their 'Saxon' or English neighbours ...1771
• SOUTHRON - a native of the south of Great Britain - an Englishman ...c1470
• TOMMY ATKINS - a British soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
Britain, British - verbs
• BRITANNICIZE to make Britannic or British in form or character ...1887
Britain, British - phrases
• TWIST THE LION'S TAIL to irritate Britain
BRITTLE - adjectives
• BRASHY brittle ,,,1929 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLE † liable to break, easily broken; fragile, brittle ...1468 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BRICKLE AS A PIE CRUST brittle, easily broken ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLY brittle; easily broken; crisp ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BRITTLY brittle, easily broken ...1967 Amer. dial.
• CASSANT †* brittle; friable ...1725
• CHALKY brittle; easily broken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EGG-SHELL very weak or brittle ...1834
• HASK rough to the touch; stiff, unyielding; brittle and difficult to work ...1788 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEPPY crisp, brittle ...1865 Eng. dial.
• NESH brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SMOPPLE brittle, crisp, crumbling, as 'smopple' wood, or a 'smopple' pie crust ...1731 Eng. dial.
• TART brittle ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
brittle - verbs
• BRICKLE to flake or peel because of brittleness ...1936 Amer. dial.
BROAD - adjectives
• BEAMY broad, wide, usually of a person; having a big backside ...1974 Amer. dial.
• BRADE broad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAID broad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BROAD AS NARROW LIKE PADDY'S PLANK, AS as broad as long ...1889 Eng. dial.
• LATE †* broad, wide ...1657
• QUAT low and broad; squat ...1848 Eng. dial.
• QUOT low and broad; squat ...1848 Eng. dial.
BROADCASTING - nouns
• BUTTON in broadcasting: the finalizing bit of music or sound effects on a commercial ...1980 Amer. Radio & TV usage
BROIL - nouns
• BELLANDINE a broil, a squabble ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DISBUST an uproar, a broil ...Bk1900 Sc.
• GARBOIL a broil, commotion, uproar ...1818 Sc.
• HAGGERDASH † disorder, a broil ...1825 Sc.
• HAGGERDECASH disorder; a broil ...Bk1905 Sc.
• JAR a dissension, a dispute, a quarrel; a petty broil ...1583
• STRAMULLION a row, a broil ...B1900 Sc.
• TIRPEIL † a broil, an encounter, a tumult ...c1330
• TIRPELL † a broil, an encounter, a tumult ...c1330
BROILED - adjectives
• YBROYLID † broiled ...c1430
BROKE (without money) - see PENNILESS
BROKEN (also see BREAK) - adjectives
• ABRUPTED * suddenly broken off ...
• ALL-A-BITS in pieces or rags, broken ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• AUSGESPIELT tired out; finished; broken ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLE AS A PIE CRUST brittle, easily broken ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLY brittle; easily broken; crisp ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BRITTLY brittle, easily broken ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BROKITY broken ...1960 Amer. dial.
• BUCKY out of order, not working right ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BUSTED burst, broken; bankrupt or ruined ...1881 US colloq.
• BUSTED-UP burst, broken; bankrupt or ruined ...a1909 US colloq.
• BUSTICATED broken, completely shattered ...1916 Amer. dial.
• CHALKY brittle; easily broken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CONFRAGOSE †* rough with breaks, or shattered parts; broken; uneven ...1654
• CROCK broken; no good; worthless ...1957 Aust. sl.
• EFFRACTED †* broken off ...1657
• FORBRITTENED broken in pieces ...? a1400
• FUTZED-UP fucked up, messed up, confused; broken ...20C US sl.
• GONE TO GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• GUNNY-SACKED broken, fouled up ...1942 Amer. dial.
• I-BROKE † broken ...c900
• KAPUT ruined, broken, or not functioning ...1910s sl.
• NASHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESH brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NO GOOD TO GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• ONCUS of machinery: out of order ...20C Aust. & NZ sl.
• OUT OF KELTER out of harmony or balance; not working, broken; unwell ...1643
• OUT OF KILTER out of harmony or balance; not working, broken; unwell ...1643
• PAKARU broken, smashed, crushed ...World War I NZ services' sl.
• SKEE-WHIFFED broken; damaged ...1993 Amer. dial.
• TEN-ONE broken ...1982 UK teen sl.
• UP THE WOP broken; unsound ...2001 NZ sl.
• WONKEY broken ...2001 US sl.
• WONKY broken ...2001 US sl.
broken - adverbs
• A-SCAT broken like an egg ...1790 Eng. dial.
broken - nouns
• CLUCK a mechanical device which will not work ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GABBER a fragment, a broken piece ...Bk1900 Sc.
• GABBIT † a broken piece, a fragment ...1808 Sc.
• GABER a fragment, a broken piece ...Bk1900 Sc.
• MAMMOCK a scrap, a shred, a broken or torn piece ...a1529 arch. or Eng. dial.
• SCARD a broken piece of pottery or any brittle substance ...1811 Eng. dial.
broken - phrases
• BUGGERED FOR THE WANT OF AN IRISH KING broken, out of order ...1960s NZ sl.
BROKEN DOWN - adjectives
• BLINKED OUT out of order, broken down ...1970 Amer. dial.
• QUEER of machinery, etc.: out of order ...L19 sl.
BROKEN-HEARTED - adjectives
• HEART-SORE broken-hearted ...1591
BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS - nouns
• HEART-SORE pain or grief of heart, broken-heartedness ...c1100
BROKER - person
• BANIAN - in Bengal: a native broker attached to a house of business, or a person similarly employed by a private gentleman ...1687
• BANQUETER - a broker, a trafficker ...1534
• GUTTERSNIPE - a broker who does business chiefly on the sidewalk or in the street, and who is not a member of the Stock Exchange ...1856 Amer. sl.
• KERB-STONE BROKER - a broker, not a member of the stock exchange, who transacts business in the streets ...1860 US
• MACKELER - †* a broker ...1682
• POACHER - a broker dealing out of, or frequently changing, his market ...c1890 Stock Exchange colloq.
BROKERAGE - nouns
• MACKELEREDGE †* brokerage ...1682
• MAKRELTY † brokerage ...1495
BRONCHITIS - nouns
• BA-HA bronchitis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BROWN KITTIES bronchitis ...1941 Amer. dial.
BROOCH - nouns
• BAGUE † a ring; a brooch ...1475
• BEAUTY BAR a brooch ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BEAUTY PIN a brooch ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOSOM-HOOK a brooch ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BOSOM-PIN a brooch ...1855 Amer. dial.
• DALK † a pin, brooch, clasp, buckle ...c1000
BROOD - nouns
• BREED a brood, a litter ...Bk1911 Sc.
brood - verbs
• EVIL to brood ...1959 Amer. dial.
BROODING - adjectives
• BROODISH brooding, moody, sullen ...1981 Amer. dial.
• BROODY brooding, meditative; dejected ...1851
• PENSEROSE * meditative, brooding, melancholy ...1831
• PENSIFUL † thoughtful, meditative, pensive; anxious, brooding; melancholy, sorrowful ...a1450 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
brooding - person
• PENSEROSE * a brooding or melancholy person or personality ...B1900
BROODINGLY - adverbs
• EVILLY sullenly; broodingly ...1967 Amer. dial.
BROOK - nouns
• BECK a brook or stream ...a1300
• BECKETT a little brook ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• GUTTER a watercourse; a small brook or channel ...1656
• LAKE a brook, rivulet, or stream ...1888 Eng. dial.
• RAIN †* a small stream, brook, or ditch ...1611
• SCOUR a rapid flow over shallows in rivers or brooks; a rapid turn in brooks; the shallow part of a river or brook ...1865 Eng. dial.
brook - verbs
• VENT of a brook: to flow into a river ...1784 US
BROOM - nouns
• BALD-HEADED END OF A BROOM the handle ...1917 US sl.
• BESOM an implement for sweeping, usually made of a bunch of broom, heather, birch, or other twigs bound together round a handle; a broom ...c1000
broom - person
• BESOM-MAKER a maker of brooms ...1814 Eng. dial.
BROOMSTICK - nouns
• BESOM-SHAFT a broomstick ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHANK a broomstick ...1805 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-STAKE a broomstick ...1895 Eng. dial.
BROTH - nouns
• BAREFOOT-BROTH broth made with butter and vegetables, without any meat ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BAREFOOT-KAIL broth made with butter and vegetables, without any meat ...1787 Sc.
• BEEF-BREWIS broth made from beef ...1820 Sc.
• BREE water in which any article of food is boiled; broth, soup, gravy, sauce, juice ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• CAMPHOR AND MOTH broth ...1930s UK tramps' rhyming sl.
• KAILLY-BROSE broth made from colewort or vegetables ...Bk1902 Sc.
• KALE broth or soup made with various kinds of vegetables ...a1480 Sc.
• KALE-BROSE broth made from colewort or other greens, vegetable soup ...1824 Sc.
• KALE-BROTH broth made from colewort or other greens, vegetable soup ...1891 Sc.
• LENTEN-KAIL broth made without meat ...1805 Sc.
• SHACKLES any broth, soup, or stew ...1886 sl.
• WACK-ROWDY-DOW weak beer, broth, tea, etc. ...1895 Eng. dial.
• WATER-KALE broth made without meat or fat ...c1470 Sc.
broth - person
• KAIL-SIPPER one who is fond of broth; a nickname given to the people of Fife ...1765 Sc.
• KAIL-SUPPER one who is fond of broth; a nickname given to the people of Fife ...1765 Sc.
broth - verbs
• SAM † of broth, etc.: to skim; to put in thickening ...1790 Eng. dial.
BROTHEL - adjectives
• IMBROTHELED †* placed in a brothel ...1593
brothel - nouns
• ACADEMY a brothel ...1690 Eng. sl.
• ACCOMMODATION HOUSE a brothel ...18C sl.
• ASSIGNATION HOUSE a brothel ...19C euphemism
• BADGER-CRIB a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BAGNIO a brothel; a house of prostitution ...1624
• BAG-SHANTY a brothel ...20C Brit. navy sl.
• BAINS brothels ...1541
• BAND n. a brothel ...M20 Aust. sl.
• BAND-BOX a brothel ...20C Brit. sl.
• BAND-HOUSE a brothel ...20C Brit. sl.
• BANG a brothel ...E20 Aust. sl.
• BANG HOUSE a brothel ...1984 Amer. sl.
• BARREL-HOUSE a brothel or cheap saloon ...L19 US sl.
• BAT HOUSE a brothel ...20C Aust. sl.
• BAWDY-HOUSE a brothel ...1552
• BAWDY KEN a brothel ...E19 sl.
• BED-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BODIKIN a brothel ...E19 sl.
• BORDEL a brothel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BORDEL-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BREAD-AND-BUTTER-WAREHOUSE a brothel (spec. Ranelagh Gardens) ...Bk19C sl.
• BUM-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BUTTOCKING KEN a brothel ...19C cant
• BUTTOCKING SHOP a brothel ...1811 sl.
• BUTTON-HOLE FACTORY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CAB a brothel ...1811 sl.
• CAB JOINT a brothel whose customers are spotted and transported by taxi drivers ...1930 sl., orig. US
• CAKE SHOP a brothel ...1950s Aust. sl.
• CALL APARTMENT a brothel ...1910s US sl.
• CALL FLAT a brothel, or a place where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1916 Amer. sl.
• CALL HOUSE 1. a brothel to which men can come without making any prior appointment ...L19 sl.
2. a brothel; a house of assignation where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1913 Amer. sl.
• CALL JOINT a brothel, or a place where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1916 Amer. sl.
• CAMP a brothel ...20C US sl.
• CAN HOUSE a brothel ...20C US sl.
• CARSEY a brothel ...2002 UK sl.
• CASE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CAT-HOUSE a brothel ...1931 sl.
• CAT WAGON a travelling brothel; a wagon that carried women of easy virtue who plied their trade along the cattle trials or on the range ...1916 Amer. dial.
• CATS' NEST a house of ill repute ...1912 Amer. dial.
• CAVAULTING SCHOOL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CHEAP JOHN a flophouse; a cheap brothel; a dirty, dilapidated saloon ...20C Amer. sl.
• CHICKEN-HOUSE a brothel ...1960s sl.
• CHICKEN RANCH a brothel ...1960s sl.
• CHIPPIE JOINT a brothel ...1924 Amer. sl.
• CHIPPY HOUSE a brothel ...1929 Amer. sl.
• CHIPPY JOINT a brothel ...1924 Amer. sl.
• CORINTH a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• COUPLING-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• COVENT GARDEN NUNNERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CRACKER a brothel ...Aust. sl.
• CREEP-HOUSE a brothel or other place where prostitutes rob their clients ...1913 US sl.
• CREEP JOINT a brothel or other place where prostitutes rob their clients ...1921 US sl.
• CRIB a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CRIB-HOUSE a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CRIB-JOINT a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CUNNY-WARREN † a brothel ...1785 sl.
• CUNT-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DANCING ACADEMY a brothel ...M17 sl.
• DANCING SCHOOL a brothel ...M17 sl.
• DISORDERLY-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DIVE a brothel ...L19 US sl.
• DOOR a brothel ...1920s Aust. sl.
• DRUM a brothel ...1859 sl., chiefly US
• FAIRY HOUSE a male brothel for homosexuals ...L19 US gay sl.
• FAIRY JOINT a male brothel for homosexuals ...L19 US gay sl.
• FANCY-HOUSE a brothel ...1864 sl.
• FANDANGO HOUSE a brothel ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAST HOUSE a brothel ...1869 Amer. sl.
• FINISHING-ACADEMY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FISH-MARKET a brothel; a low brothel with bad-smelling whores ...M19 Brit. sl.
• FISH-POUND a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-CASE a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-CRIB a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-DISPENSARY a swell brothel ... Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-DRUM a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-HOUSE a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-KEN a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-PANNY a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...1811 sl.
• FLESH-FACTORY a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• FLESH-MARKET a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FLESH-POT a brothel ...sl.
• FUCKERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GARDEN-HOUSE a house kept for immoral purposes; a brothel ...1607 obs.
• GAY HOUSE a brothel ...19C Brit. & US Sl.
• GIRLERY a brothel ...19C sl.
• GOAL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GREEN-GROCERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GRINDING-HOUSE a brothel ...19C sl.
• HARLOT-HOUSE a brothel ...1659
• HOCK-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOLE IN THE WALL a brothel ...M17 sl.
• HOOK-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOOK-SHOP a brothel ...1889 sl.
• HOT-HOUSE a brothel ...sl.
• HOUSE a brothel ...1865 Amer. sl.
• HOUSE OF JOY a brothel ...1948 US sl.
• HOUSE IN THE SUBURBS a brothel ...Bk1904 sl.
• HOUSE OF ACCOMMODATION a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOUSE OF CIVIL RECEPTION a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOUSE OF LEWDNESS a brothel ...20C US colloq.
• HOUSE OF PROFESSION a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HOUSE OF RESORT a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HOUSE OF SALE a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HUMMUM a brothel ...L17 sl.
• ICE PALACE a high-class saloon or brothel ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• ILL HOUSE a house of ill fame ...1749
• JACKSIE a brothel ...20C Aust. sl.
• JAG-HOUSE a brothel offering male prostitutes for males ...M20 US sl.
• JAZZ HOUSE a brothel ...1927 Amer. sl.
• JOOK a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JOY-HOUSE a brothel ...1940 sl.
• JUKE a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JUKE-HOUSE a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JUKE-JOINT a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• KARSEY a brothel ...2002 UK sl.
• KIP a brothel ...1766 sl.
• KIP-HOUSE a brothel ...1766 Brit. sl.
• KIP-SHOP a brothel ...1766 Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-HOUSE a brothel ...19C Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-JOINT a brothel ...19C Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-SHOP a brothel ...1860 sl.
• LADIES' BOARDING HOUSE a brothel ...M19 sl.
• LADIES' COLLEGE a brothel ...18C sl.
• LANDLADY'S, THE a brothel ...1879 US sl.
• LEAPING HOUSE † a brothel ...1596
• LINE collectively, the prostitutes in a brothel who are available for sex at a given moment ...1987 US sl.
• LONG-HOUSE a brothel ...1933 Amer. dial.
• LOOSE-LOVE CENTER a brothel ...20C US sl.
• LOVE FACTORY a brothel ...1983 US sl.
• MALEHOUSE a homosexual brothel ...1963 US sl.
• MEAT-FANCIER'S HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MEAT-FANCIER'S MARKET a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MEAT-HOUSE a brothel ...1896 sl.
• MOLL CRIB a brothel ...1866 Amer. sl.
• MOLL SHOP a brothel ...20C sl.
• MOLLY-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MONKEY HOUSE a brothel ...1949 US sl.
• MOT-CASE a brothel ...M19 sl.
• NANNY-HOUSE * a bawdy-house, a brothel ...a1700
• NANNY-SHOP a brothel ...c1696 sl.
• NAUGHTY-HOUSE a brothel ...1603 sl.
• NAUTCH a brothel; a striptease; a sex show of any kind ...1872 US sl.
• NAUTCHERY a brothel ...1942-49 Amer. sl.
• NAUTCH HOUSE a brothel ...1929 Amer. sl.
• NAUTCH JOINT a brothel ...1935 Amer. sl.
• NOTCHERIE a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NOTCHERY a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NOTCH-HOUSE a brothel ...1931 sl.
• NOTCH-JOINT a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NUGGING-HOUSE a brothel ...M18 cant
• NUGGING-KEN a brothel ...M18 cant
• NUMBER 9 a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• NUNNERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• OCCUPANT a brothel ...17C sl.
• OCCUPYING-HOUSE a brothel ...L16 sl.
• OLD LADIES' HOME a brothel where decorum and the proprieties must be observed ...1931 US sl.
• ONERY-HOUSE a brothel ...20C US colloq.
• PANEL CRIB a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PANEL-DEN a brothel in which the walls have sliding panels for the purpose of robbery ...1860
• PANEL-HOUSE a brothel in which the walls have sliding panels for the purpose of robbery ...1860
• PANEL JOINT a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PANEL STORE a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PARLOR HOUSE a high-class brothel, situated in what appears to be a fashionably furnished middle-class house, and run by a complaisant 'aunt' whose bevy of attractive 'nieces' gather in the front parlour to meet, and make themselves available to visitors; cheaper brothels had little more than bedrooms in which one had sex ...M19 US sl.
• PARLOUR-HOUSE an expensive type of brothel ...1872 sl., chiefly US
• PEG-HOUSE a brothel; also, a meeting-place for male homosexuals ...1931 US sl.
• PROSTIBULE †* a house of prostitution, a brothel ...1623
• PUSHING-SCHOOL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• QUEAN-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAG, THE the regimental brothel ...c1880 Indian Army (non-officers') usage
• RED-GRATE a tavern or brothel, or both combined ...c1622 sl.
• RIB-JOINT a brothel ...1943 US sl.
• SKIN-HOUSE a brothel or place where the entertainment is of a sexual nature ...1970 US sl.
• SLAUGHTER-HOUSE a cheap brothel ...1928 sl.
• SMOCK ALLEY those streets occupied by brothels ...17C sl.
• SMOONGY a brothel ...World War I US sl.
• SMUGGLING-KEN a brothel ...18C cant
• SPORTER a brothel ...20C Jamaican
• SPORT-HOUSE a brothel ...20C W. Indies
• SPORTING HOUSE a brothel ...1855 sl.
• STEWS a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• SUBURB-GARDEN a brothel ...1583 sl.
• TOUCH-CRIB a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• TRUGGING-KEN a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• VAULTING-DOOR † the door of a 'vaulting-house' (brothel) ...1596
• VAULTING HOUSE † a brothel ...1596
• VAULTING-SCHOOL † a brothel ...1606
• VICTUALLING-HOUSE a brothel ...L16 sl.
• VROW-CASE a brothel ...17C Brit. cant
• WALK-UP a brothel ...20C US
• WARREN a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• WHORE-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• WHORE-SHOP a brothel ...19C colloq.
• WINDOW TAPPERY a brothel ...20C US criminals' sl.
• ZOO a brothel whose workers come from 'all nations' ...1930s sl.
brothel - person
• PARCEL - a British woman sold into a foreign brothel ...L19 sl.
• TAXI STEERER - a cab driver who steers customers to a whorehouse; he usually receives payment from the house and the customer ...1910 US criminals' sl.
BROTHEL BULLY, BROTHEL-KEEPER (also see BAWD) - person
• ABBESS - a woman in charge of a brothel; a madam; a bawd; a procuress ...1594
• ABBOT - a brothel-keeper's husband or lover - a bawd's man; a ponce ...1591 sl.
• ABBOT ON THE CROSS 1. a pimp or brothel owner who runs a brothel for the purpose of robbery or extortion more than for prostitution ...19C Brit. sl.
2. the bully of a brothel - one employed by a brothel as a bodyguard for prostitutes - a brothel 'bouncer' ...19C Brit. sl.
• AUNT - the manager of a brothel - a bawd - a prostitute ...1606 UK sl.
• AUNTIE - a brothel madam - a bawd - an old prostitute ...17C sl.
• AUNTY - a loose woman - a bawd ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BADGER - † a male whorehouse manager ...1889 UK criminals' sl.
• BALDSTROD - a bawd, a procuress ...a1500 Sc.
• BALDYSTROT - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BALESTROD - a bawd, a procurer ...a1500 Sc.
• BAUD - a procurer or procuress; a brothel-keeper; a harlot ...1362
• BAUDSTROT - a bawd, a pander, a procuress ...1362
• BAWDRESS - † a woman bawd ...1569
• BAWDSTROT - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BAWSTROP - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BEARD-JAMMER - a whoremaster; one who conducts a brothel; a pimp ...1927 US sl.
• BED-BROKER - † a pander, a pimp ...1594
• BELLSWAGGER - † a whoremonger, a womanizer, a pimp ...1592
• BELLY-SWAGGER - † a swaggering gallant or bully; a whoremonger, a lecher, a pimp ...1775
• B-GIRL - a girl who works in a brothel where drinks are sold ...Bk2002 US criminals' sl.
• BISMAR - a keeper of a brothel; a bawd ...Bk1874 Sc.
• BISMARE - a lewd woman; a bawd ...1825 Sc.
• BISMER - † a person worthy of scorn; a disgraceful or lewd person; a pander or bawd ...a1400 obs. exc. Sc.
• BUTTOCK BROKER - a bawd - also, a match-maker ...1698 sl.
• CAPTAIN - a gaming or bawdy house bully ...1731 sl.
• CROZIERED ABBOT - the bully of a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DAB - a pimp, esp. a bawd ...L19 sl.
• FLESH-BROKER - a bawd - a procuress ...L17 sl.
• FLESH-MONGER - a procurer - a pimp - the male keeper of a brothel ...17C sl.
• GAP-STOPPER - a pimp or whoremaster; one who runs a brothel; a whoremonger ...Bk1796 sl.
• HACK - a prostitute; a bawd ...1730
• HACKNEY WOMAN - †* a woman who obtains a prostitute for a client; a procuress ...c1616
• HECTOR - a swaggering fellow; a swashbuckler; a braggart, a blusterer, a bully, a thug; a bouncer, esp. of a brothel ...1631
• HE-MADAME - a male who manages a whorehouse ...1933 criminals' sl.
• HEYDERDAN - an old brothel-keeper who has been whipped 'at the cart's tail' (the victim would be tied to the back of a cart and forced to walk along behind the cart as he was whipped; whether male or female, the victim would be stripped to the waist before the whipping began; the number of lashes (times whipped) and the distance travelled varied from crime to crime) ...1741 UK criminals' sl.
• KIP-KEEPER - a brothel-keeper - a madame ...M18 sl.
• LADY ABBESS - a brothel-keeper - a madame ...L17 sl.
• LANDLADY - the proprietress of a brothel - a madam ...1939 US sl.
• MACKAREL - a bawd ...Bk1737 sl.
• MACKAWL - a bawd ...Bk1890 sl.
• MACKEREL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MACRELL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MACRIO - †* one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...a1627
• MADAM(E) - a bawd - the proprietor of a male or female brothel ...E18 sl.
• MAMA-SAN - an elderly or middle-aged East Asian woman - often applied to one who manages a brothel ...1946 Amer. sl.
• MAN-HUCKSTER - † 'a mistress of the male stews' (brothel) ...a1625
• MAQUERELL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MEAT-MERCHANT - a bawd ...19C sl.
• MEAT-MONGER - a male who is a brothel keeper ...19C Brit. sl.
• MINE AUNT - a procuress, esp. the madam of a brothel or bawdy-house ...1785 sl.
• MOTHER - a woman who runs a brothel; a madam; now chiefly used as a title ...1552
• MOTHER ABBESS - a brothel-keeper, a bawd, a madam ...1748 UK sl.
• MOTHER OF THE MAIDS - a brothel-keeper, a bawd, a madam ...1629 UK sl.
• OUTSIDE MAN - that member of a confidence trick team who locates a potential victim, lures him deeper into the hoax, and helps to fleece him - the 'steerer' for a brothel ...M19 sl., orig. US
• PADRONA - the mistress of a household; a woman who keeps a hotel, inn, or brothel ...1744 chiefly in Italian-speaking communities
• SMOCKSTER - a madam or a pimp ...E17 Brit. sl.
• SUBURBAN-ROARER - a pimp - a bawdy-house bully ...1659 sl.
• VENUS' HEN-WIFE - † a bawd ...1513
• WAFERER - a pander; a male bawd ...Bk1904 sl.
• WAFER-WOMAN - a bawd; a procuress, a madame ...1607 sl.
• WAGON-HUNTER - † an agent of a brothel-keeper who for base purposes visited the inns at which the stage-wagons stopped ...c1766 cant
BROTHER - person
• ANCHOR - a younger brother or sister ...2003 UK sl.
• B - a buddy - a brother - used as an address ...1995 US sl.
• BIDDA - brother ...1933 Sc.
• BILLIE - brother ...1724 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BILLY - a brother ...1686 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIZA - a blood brother ...2005 S. Afr. prison sl.
• BLA - a brother - a friend - a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLALA - a brother - a friend - a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BOO - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOOBIE - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOO BOO - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOYSIE - a boy - a brother ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BRO - a brother ...1937 sl.
• BUB - a brother ...1859 Amer. dial.
• BUBBA - a brother - a term of address ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BUBBER - a brother - a term of address ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BUBBUH - a brother - a term of address ...1922 Amer. dial.
• BUBBY - a nickname or a term of address for a brother ...1859 Amer. dial.
• BUBS - a brother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BUD - a nickname or term of address for a brother or eldest son ...1851 Amer. dial.
• BUDDIE, BUDDY - a nickname or term of address for a brother or eldest son ...1858 Amer. dial.
• BUNNER - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BUZZ - a nickname for a brother ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BUZZER - a nickname for a brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BUZZY - a nickname for a brother ...1950 Amer. dial.
• CADET - a younger son or brother ...1610
• CHIN CHOPPER a cunning, lovable little brother ...1930 Amer. dial.
• GERMAN - † one sprung from the same stock; a brother, a near relative; one approaching a brother in nearness of blood; generally applied to the children of brothers and sisters, who are called cousins german ...1491
• GERMANE - * a close relative, a full brother or sister ...1502
• GERMANE BROTHER - a man or boy having the same biological parents as another; a full brother ...a1449
• HALF-BROTHER - a brother by one parent only ...c1330
• MOTHER BAIRN - † a maternal half-brother or half-sister ...1563 Sc.
• ONE AND OTHER - a brother ...2000s Irish rhyming sl.
• ONE AND T'OTHER - a brother ...1910s rhyming sl.
• ONE ANOTHER - a brother ...L19 rhyming sl.
• PAL - a brother ...Bk1860 gypsy usage
• TITTIE AND BILLIE - sister and brother ...18C Sc.
brother - person, other
• WALLY a nickname for someone seen as acting like a big brother or sister ...1980s US college sl.
brother - verbs
• ELDER IT to play the elder brother or sister ...1855 nonce word
BROTHERHOOD - nouns
• BILLYHOOD brotherhood ...1818 Sc.
BROTHER-IN-LAW - person
• BAYAO a brother-in-law or sister-in-law ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BAYAW a brother-in-law or sister-in-law ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BEDSTEAD RELATION an in-law; a relation you get in marriage ...1967 Amer. dial.
• MAUGH † a brother-in-law; a near connection ...1684 Eng. dial.
BROUGHT - adjectives
• YFET † brought, carried, fetched; acquired ...c893
BROW - adjectives
• SCOOLY of the brow: scowling, frowning ...1923 Sc.
• THRAWN of the brow: knitted ...1721 Sc.
brow - nouns
• REE the brow; the eyebrow ...Bk1911 Sc.
BROWBEAT - verbs
• BABBIS † to browbeat ...1825 Sc.
• BAM to browbeat, to bully; to beat, to strike ...1889 Eng. dial.
• DUMB-COW to browbeat; to cow ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• MOMMICK to harass, to browbeat ...1950 Amer. dial.
• MUMMOCK to harass, to browbeat ...1950 Amer. dial.
• THREAP to beat down in a bargain or argument; to browbeat, to talk down; to haggle over a bargain ...1871 Sc. & Eng. dial.
BROWBEATING - nouns
• FACING † the act of boasting, swaggering, or browbeating; a defiance ...1523
BROWN - adjectives
• ADUST of colour: brown, as if scorched by fire, or by the sun; sunburnt ...1596
• ADUSTED † of colour: brown, as if scorched by fire, or by the sun; sunburnt ...1550
• BANGY brown ...1859 Brit. sl.
• DANDY GREY RUSSET dirty brown in colour ...L18 sl.
• DIMPSY BROWN dull brown, mouse-coloured ...Bk1900 N. Ireland
• MUCKLE-DUN of a muddy grey or brown colour; of a nondescript colour ...1916 Amer. dial.
• OOMSKIT dusky, dirty-grey or brownish in colour ...1866 Sc.
• SHIT-BRINDLE muddy brown ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TURD-BRINDLE muddy brown ...1966 Amer. dial.
brown - nouns
• BISQUE a light brown colour or tint ...1921
• CACKY a yellowish-brown colour ...1984 UK
• DANDY GREY RUSSET a dirty brown ...M18 colloq.
• HAVANA-BROWN the shade of brown which is the colour of havana cigars ...1875
• RAMONEUR a colour resembling that of soot (dingy shade of brown approaching nearly to black) ...1835
BROWNIE - person
• TAWNY OWL - a name (no longer in official use) for an assistant Brownie Guider ...1921
BROWNISH - adjectives
• FALLOW † of a pale brownish or reddish yellow colour, as withered grass or leaves ...8C-11C
BRUISE - nouns
• BAT-EYE a bruise near the eye ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BATTERY † a mark of beating; a wound or bruise ...1592
• BATTLE SCAR a bruise on the skin caused by sucking ...1982 Hawaii youth usage
• BIRSE a bruise, contusion; pressure, a squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUZZ a bruise ...18C Eng. dial.
• DEAD MAN'S PINCHES small discoloured marks on the skin; black and blue spots on one's skin that one cannot account for ...1883 Ireland & Amer. dial.
• DINGE to indent, to bruise, to knock in ...1854 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAT LIP a bruise; the result of a blow ...1940s sl.
• GWIDGY-GWEE a small black spot caused by a pinch or bruise ...1895 Eng. dial.
• MOUSE a bruise ...1842 US sl.
• OWIE a hurt, pain; a bruise or minor injury ...1967 Amer. dial.
• RAINBOW a discoloured bruise ...1811 boxing sl.
• SAIR a sore; a wound, a bruise ...1768 Sc.
• STONE BRUISE any bruise on the sole of the foot ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• STRAWBERRY a sore or bruise, esp. one caused by friction with the ground ...1921 N. Amer. colloq.
• SUGGILLATION † a beating black and blue; a bruise ...1623
• SUGILLATION † a beating black and blue; a bruise ...1623
• WAN † a dark or livid mark produced by a blow; a bruise ...1533 Sc.
• WHELK a pustule, a pimple; a welt, a bruise, a bump on the skin ...1848 Amer. dial.
• WHELP a bump on the skin, as from a mosquito bite; a bruise; a welt ...1895 Amer. dial.
• YETHER a discolouration of the skin caused by a blow ...1889 Eng. dial.
bruise - verbs
• BATTER to strike with repeated blows of an instrument or weapon; to beat continuously and violently so as to bruise and shatter ...c1325
• BATTERFANG † to strike with repeated blows of an instrument or weapon; to beat continuously and violently so as to bruise and shatter; to assail violently ...1630 obs. exc. Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BEMAUL to maul; to bruise or soil by fighting or rough play ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRSE to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLUE to turn blue when bruised; to bruise ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BRASH to assault, to bruise; to break bones ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUZZ to bruise, to batter, to break the skin ...1750 Eng. dial.
• CONTUND to bruise by beating, to pound or thrash ...1654
• DAMMISH to bruise the surface of by a knock, as with an apple, etc. ...19C Sc.
• DUMMOCK to knock about, bruise ...19C Eng. dial.
• HASH to bruise, to ill-treat ...1827 Sc.
• HATTER † to bruise with blows; to batter the edge or face of, to erode ...c1450 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• MANCH to mince; to mash, to bruise, to crush to a pulp; to beat up ...1895 Eng. dial.
• MANG to break in pieces; to bruise, to crush; to overpower ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MARK UP to bruise; to leave scars after a fight ...1910s sl.
• MELL to hammer; to strike with a 'mell' or with the fist; to beat severely; to pound; to bruise ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MELT to make a person or animal sink suddenly under a blow to the side; to knock, to bruise ...1785 Sc.
• SUGGILL †* to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1663 obs
• SUGGILLATE † to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1623 rare or obs.
• SUGILL †* to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1663
• SUGILLATE † to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1623 rare or obs.
• THRING † to press together, to squeeze, to compress; to crush, to bruise ...a1300
• TO-BRUISE † to crush to pieces, to smash; to bruise severely ...c1000
BRUISED - adjectives
• BASHED bruised, dinted ...1856 Eng. dial.
• BATTERABLE that can be battered or bruised by beating ...1611
• BATTERFANGED bruised, beaten, scratched ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEAT bruised with walking or hard work ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BET beaten, bruised ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• OBTRITE †* worn, bruised; trodden under foot ...1656
• WHELTED bruised ...1949 Amer. dial.
BRUISING - nouns
• OBTRITION † a bruising or wearing away against anything ...1638
BRUNETTE - person
• BROWNETTA † a brunette ...1582
• BRUNE a dark-complexioned girl or woman; a brunette ...1870
• INK a (very dark) brune or brunette ...1925 US sl.
BRUSH - nouns
• IAN RUSH a brush ...1980s rhyming sl.
BRUSHWOOD - nouns
• BAVIN 1. a bundle of brushwood or light underwood, such as was used in baker's ovens, differing from a fagot in being bound with only one withe or band instead of two ...1528
2. brushwood, firewood ...1577
• HAG brushwood, branches of felled trees used for fuel or firewood ...1820 Sc.
• RAMMEL † brushwood, underwood, small trees or bushes ...1373 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCOWS brushwood, firewood ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRILE brushwood, underwood ...1898 Eng. dial.
• WALLET brushwood; underwood when cut ...1873 Eng. dial.
BRUSQUE - adjectives
• NEBBIE sharp in manner, brusque, tart ...1860 Sc.
• NIP-SICKER ill-natured, brusque, very positive and decided in one's manner and opinions ...1866 Sc.
• OFF-HANDED stiff, haughty; brusque ...1883 Eng. dial.
• RAMSH brusque, testy ...1871 Sc.
• REPITERRY peremptory, brusque, high-handed ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS - nouns
• BUFFLE-GREENS Brussels sprouts ...19C Eng. dial.
• FEATHER-LEGS Brussels sprouts ...19C Eng. dial.
• MUFFLE-GREENS Brussels sprouts ...B1900 Eng. dial.
BRUTAL, BRUTE, BRUTISH - adjectives
• BEASTISH † beastly, brutish ...1398
• BELLUINE † pertaining to or characteristic of beasts; beast-like, brutal, savage ...1618
• BESTIAL brutish, savage, cruel, rude, barbarous, uncivilized ...c1400
• IMMANE * inhumanly cruel or savage; brutal, wild ...1599
• RUFFIANOUS † like a ruffian; bold in crimes; violent, brutal ...1555
brutal, brute, brutish - nouns
• BEASTISHNESS † brutishness ...1530
• BRUTEDOM brutish nature ...1890
• FERITY the quality of being wild or savage; brutishness; wildness; fierceness; ferocity; barbarous or savage cruelty; of plants: wildness, uncultivated condition ...c1534
brutal, brute, brutish - person
• ANIMAL - a vulgar, brutal, aggressive, or violent person - a term of contempt ...1892 Amer. sl.
• BAGGAGE SMASHER - † a coarse, rough, brutal person ...1851 Amer. sl.
• BARBARIAN - a rude, wild, uncivilized person; a brutal monster ...1604
• BEAR - a brutal, coarse, or morose person ...1751
• BEAST - a brutal, savage man - a man acting in any manner unworthy of a reasonable creature ...c1210
• BLADDER-HEAD - a coarse, brutal bully...Bk1886 Eng dial.
• CABRON - a guy, especially a brutish or dim-witted one ...1974 Mexican-American use
• CLUB-FIST - † a rough, brutal fellow - a thug ...1575
• DOG - a treacherous or brutal person ...1966 US sl., esp. Black usage
• HARD COLT - a tough young man; a brutal, tyrannical person ...1834 US sl.
• HARD GUY - a serious, violent criminal; a tough or brutal man ...1916 US sl.
• HARD HORSE - a brutal, tyrannical person; a pugnacious or unyielding fellow ...1818 US sl.
• MOMSER - an unpleasant or despicable person, usually male; a disliked person; a brute; a detestable man ...1955 US sl.
• SAVAGE - a savage, cruel, or fierce person; an unfeeling or brutal person; also, one who is destitute of culture, or who is ignorant or neglectful of the rules of good behaviour; a coarse, uncouth person ...1606
BRUTALITY - nouns
• BESTIALITY want of intelligence; irrationality, stupidity, brutality ...c1374
• IMMANITY † inhuman cruelty; savagery, brutality; also, a cruel or savage act ...1539
brutality - person
• BRUTALITARIAN one who practices or advocates the practice of brutality ...1904
brutality - verbs
• PULL A RODNEY KING to initiate police brutality ...1990s US Black sl.
BRUTALIZE - verbs
• ABRUTALIZE * to brutalize ...1795
• BESTIALIZE to brutalize, to debase in character ...1684
• BESTIATE to brutalize ...1628
• EMBRUTE to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1640
• IMBRUTE to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1640
• IMBRUTISH †* to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1639
BREED - nouns
• CASTE † a race, stock, or breed of men ...1555
• DEGREE an type or breed, as of a dog ...1962 Amer. dial.
BREEDING - adjectives
• BEATING WITH CHILD breeding ...1691 Eng. dial.
• HAIR ABOUT THE HEELS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HAIRY ABOUT THE FETLOCKS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HAIRY ABOUT THE HEELS of poor breeding, socially inferior ...L19 sl.
• HALF-BRED † imperfectly acquainted with the rules of good breeding; under-bred ...a1732
• OF GOOD FASHION † of high quality or breeding; of eminent social standing or repute ...c1675
• OF HIGH FASHION † of high quality or breeding; of eminent social standing or repute ...c1489
breeding - nouns
• AFAITEMENT † training, proper behaviour, breeding ...c1300
• BREEDING education; good breeding ...1911 Sc.
• RACE † breeding; the production of offspring ...1607
• TIGHT † good breeding; behaviour; bringing up, rearing, training, education ...c888
BREEZE - see WIND
BREWER - nouns
• ALE SPINNER a brewer or publican ...Bk1890 sl.
• BUNG a brewer or landlord of a public house ...1860 sl.
BREWING - nouns
• BEEROCRACY a ludicrous name for the brewing and beer-selling interest ...1881
• TINE † a vessel for brewing; a tub, a vat ...1337
BRIBE, BRIBERY - adjectives
• APPROACHABLE pert. to a person who will take bribes ...sl.
• BAGGED having been made amenable by a bribe ...1974 criminals' sl.
• BOODLEISTIC addicted to bribery and corruption ...1898 sl.
• EASY seeking or willing to accept bribes ...1872 US criminals' sl.
• ON protected from police action by bribes ...1973 US sl.
• ON THE PAD accepting bribes or paying bribes ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• ON THE TAKE taking bribes ...1930 sl., orig. US
• VENAL easily bribed or corrupted
bribe, bribery - nouns
• ANGEL’S OIL money used for bribery ...L16 sl.
• AXLE GREASE money, esp. that used for purposes of bribery ...1891 Amer. sl.
• BACK-HANDER a bribe, a payoff for services rendered ...1910s sl.
• BACK OF THE HAND DOWN bribery ...L19 sl.
• BOODLE a bribe ...1883 sl., orig. US
• BOODLEISM bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1894 sl.
• BOODLERISM bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1887 sl.
• BOODLERY bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1887 sl.
• BOODLING bribery and corruption; embezzlement of public funds ...1890 sl.
• BUNG a bribe ...1958 Brit. sl.
• CUMSHAW a bonus, referring to a bribe rather than a reward or present ...US Civil War usage
• DAB IN THE FIST, A a bribe; a gratuity ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• DAB IN THE HAND, A a bribe; a gratuity ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• DASH bribery; the money paid as a bribe...L18 sl.
• DAUB a bribe ...18C sl.
• DAUB OF THE HAND, A a greasing of the palm, a bribe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DAWB a bribe ...18C sl.
• DROP money given as alms or a bribe; the act of so giving money ...1930 sl.
• DROPSY money; often applied specifically to money paid as a tip or bribe ...1930 sl.
• DUSTOOR a bribe, a sweetener, a commission ...L17 Anglo-Indian
• DUSTOORIE a bribe, a sweetener, a commission ...L17 Anglo-Indian
• EARNER a bribe, often paid as regularly as more legitimate wages ...1960s UK police sl.
• END that proportion of one's illicit gains that is used to bribe the police ...1940s sl.
• FALL DOUGH money set aside by a criminal for bribing policemen or obtaining bail if he is arrested ...1910 US criminals' sl.
• FALL MONEY funds saved by criminals to pay lawyers, secure cash bail, and to bribe officials ...1893 Amer. criminals' sl.
• FEE † a bribe ...1549
• GRAFT practices, esp. bribery, used to secure illicit political advantage ...1865 sl., orig. US
• HANDY-DANDY † something held or offered in the closed hand; a covert bribe or present ...1362
• HUSH MONEY a bribe paid to obtain silence ...1709 UK
• ICE protection money, bribes, extortion ...1948 US sl.
• JUICE a bribe ...1698 UK sl.
• JUICE MONEY a bribe ...1981 US sl.
• KICK a bribe ...1953 US sl.
• MITTEN MONEY extra money, either in the form of a tip or a bribe ...1975 US sl.
• OIL bribe money; a bribe ...1903 Amer. sl.
• OIL OF ANGELS 1. a gift, a bribe ...16C sl.
2. money used for bribery ...L16 sl.
• OIL OF PALM(S) money, usually in the form of a bribe ...E17 sl.
• OILSKIN a bribe ...1925 US sl.
• ONCE A WEEK a regular (weekly) bribe paid to a local official or law officer ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• PAD 1. the regular bribes paid to members of a US police department ...1940s US criminals' sl.
2. an establishment that pays bribes to the local police ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• PALM a bribe ...L19 US sl.
• PALM-GREASE money given as a douceur or bribe ...1897 humorous
• PALM-GREASING petty bribery, tipping ...1886 humorous
• PALMISTRY bribery ...1828
• PALM-OIL money give as a douceur or bribe, a tip ...a1627 humorous
• PALM SOAP money, usually in the form of a bribe ...E17 sl.
• PAY-OFF a bribe ...1930 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• PAYOLA a bribe or other secret payment to induce someone to use their influence to promote a commercial product, esp. one made to a disc jockey for plugging a record ...1938 sl., orig. US
• POULTICE a large amount of money; applied esp. to money used as a bribe ...1904 Aust. sl.
• PROTECTION bribe money paid to the police, an individual policeman, or politicians, for allowing illegal activities to continue without interference, any money paid to protect the payer without arrest ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• PROTECTION MONEY 'Protection' ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• RADDLINGS money spent in bribery; the act of bribing ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RAKE-OFF money obtained from a crime or as a bribe ...1899 US sl.
• SALVE a bribe ...1910s US sl.
• SCHMEAR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SCHMEER a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SCHMERE a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMEAR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMEER a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SHMIR a bribe ...1961 Amer. sl.
• SLING a bribe ...1948 Aust. sl.
• SLING BACK a bribe ...1948 Aust. sl.
• SLUSH FUND a reserve fund esp. for political bribery ...1874 sl., orig. US
• SOAP 1. money; latterly esp. applied to money used in bribery ...1860 US sl.
2. a bribe ...1972 US sl.
• SQUEEZE-PIDGIN a bribe ...1946 sl.
• SWEETENER a bribe ...1847 sl.
• TAKE money acquired by theft or fraud, bribery ...1888 sl., orig. US
• UNGUENTUM AUREUM a bribe ...L16
• VAIL a gift or present in the nature of a bribe ...1687
bribe, bribery - person
• ACCOMMODATOR - † one who bribes witnesses and prosecutors into bringing about a desired verdict, esp. a former police officer ...1940 criminals' sl.
• BAGMAN - a messenger, a go-between, esp. one who conveys a bribe from the one who offers it to the one who accepts ...1952 sl., orig. US
• BAG WOMAN - a woman who collects or distributes the proceeds of illicit activities; a woman who organizes bribes for the police, civil authorities, etc. ...1960 orig. & chiefly US
• BOODLER - one who practices bribery and corruption ...1894 sl.
• BURGLAR - a swindler - a bribe-taker ...1920s US sl.
• DARK GLIM - a dark lanthorn ...M18 UK criminals' sl.
• DARK LANTERN - a servant or agent who takes and transmits a bribe offered to his master ...1679 sl.
• DARK LANTHORN - a servant or agent who takes and transmits a bribe offered to his master ...L17 sl.
• HINDU - one who cannot be bribed ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• ICEMAN - one who is given bribes by gangsters, etc., as a corrupt policeman ...1960s sl.
• MONEY-TAKER - † a person who takes bribes ...c1616
• MUNCH-PRESENT - one who takes bribes ...M16 sl.
• SNEAKER - a person engaged in an illegal enterprise who does not pay a regular bribe to the police but does when confronted ...1973 US sl.
• TAKE-ARTIST - one who regularly gains income from the taking of bribes, illicit commissions, etc. ...1955 US sl.
• UNTOUCHABLE - a person or politician insusceptible of bribery ...1933 US criminals' sl.
bribe, bribery - verbs
• BACK-HAND to give a bribe ...1960s sl.
• BAG to bribe someone; to arrange an outcome ...1948 US sl.
• BOODLE to bribe; to give or take bribes ...1890 sl., orig. US
• BOODLEIZE to bribe ...1886 sl.
• BUNG to bribe ...1950 sl.
• CHALK THE LAMPPOST to pay a bribe ...1857 US sl.
• COME to yield to bribery or persuasion ...1970 UK sl.
• COP to receive bribes, esp. of a policeman ...1970s UK criminals' sl.
• COP A DROP of police: to accept a bribe ...1910s UK criminals' sl.
• DAUB to bribe ...c1690 sl.
• DAWB to bribe ...c1690 sl.
• EARN of a policeman: to take bribes ...1950s UK criminals' sl.
• FAKE to receive a gratuity illegally; to knowingly accept a bribe ...L19 sl.
• FEE † to bribe ...1375
• FEED WITH MONEY † to bribe ...1567
• FIX to influence by illegal means, esp. bribery ...1790 sl., orig. US
• GET TO to bribe ...1927 US sl.
• GO IN THE BAG to accept a bribe ...1942 Amer. criminal sl.
• GREASE THE HAND OF to influence by giving money to; to bribe ...sl.
ׇ• GREASE THE PALM OF to influence by giving money to; to bribe ...1807 sl.
• HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR to take or attempt to take advantage of one's position by demanding or accepting favours or bribes ...colloq.
• HORSESHED to coach; to try to influence another's opinion; to bribe ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• ICE to pay bribes, to pay protection money ...1930s US sl.
• JUICE to bribe, to pay for influence ...1953 US sl.
• LUBE to bribe; to tip ...1950s sl.
• LUBRICATE to bribe ...1928 sl.
• OIL to pay graft or bribery money; to fix the police or other public officials ...1920s US sl.
• OIL SOMEONE'S PALM to bribe ...20C colloq.
• OIL THE FIST to bribe ...1652
• OIL THE HAND to bribe ...1652
• OIL THE KNOCKER to bribe a doorman ...1870 Brit. sl.
• OIL THE PALM to bribe ...17C sl.
• OIL UP to bribe ...1894 Amer. sl.
• OVER-MONEY to bribe; to win by means of a bribe ...a1661 obs. nonce word
• PAINT to bribe ...c1890 US sl.
• PALM to pass over money as a bribe; to bribe ...1747
• PALM-OIL to bribe; to pay off ...L19 sl.
• PALTER † to barter; to corrupt, to bribe ...1641
• REACH to bribe ...1906 US sl.
• SALT to bribe ...1896 Eng. dial.
• SALVE to pay, usually a reward; also, to bribe ...20C US sl.
• SCHMEAR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SCHMEER to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SCHMERE to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHIRK THE ROUNDBOTTOM to avoid a criminal charge through bribery ...E19 UK criminals' sl.
• SHMEAR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHMEER to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SHMIR to bribe ...1945 Amer. sl.
• SLING vb. to pay a bribe ...c1907 Aust. sl.
• SOAP to bribe ...US & Can. sl.
• SQUARE to conciliate by bribery ...1859 sl.
• TAKE to accept bribery ...1920s sl.
• TAKE CARE OF to bribe; to exert (political) pressure on ...1920s sl.
• TAKE IT to accept a bribe ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE TIP to accept a bribe ...E19 sl.
• WAGE † to bribe ...1461
bribe, bribery - phrases
• IN THE BAG made amenable by bribery ...1921 Amer. criminal sl.
BRIBED - adjectives
• LINKED bribed ...1964 US sl.
• ON A PENSION of a policeman: having been bribed ...1996 Brit. sl.
• PALMED used of one who has been bribed ...19C sl.
• VENAL of persons: capable of being bought over or bribed; of an unprincipled and hireling character ...1670
• VENDIBLE † able to be bribed ...1609
• WAGED † bribed ...1561
bribed - nouns
• VENALITY readiness to give support or favour in return for profit or reward; prostitution of talent or principles for mercenary considerations; ability to be bribed ...a1683
BRIBING - nouns
• LURKOLA the practice of bribing, with cash or kind, those with access to the public to tout a product; it is ostensibly illegal and generally denied by its practitioners ...1950s Aust. sl.
BRICK - adjectives
• LATERITIOUS pert. to or resembling brick; made of brick; of the colour of brick, brick-red ...1656
brick - nouns
• ALLEY APPLE a brick, rock, or stone, usually when used as a missile ...1927 Amer. dial.
• IRISH BOUQUET any form of projectile, usually a stone or brick ...1960s US sl.
• IRISH CONFETTI bricks, esp. as thrown during riots ...M19 sl.
• WALL-TILE a brick ...1790 Eng. dial.
BRICKLAYER - person
• BRICKIE, BRICKY a bricklayer ...1880 sl.
• CAD a journeyman shoemaker, butcher, or bricklayer ...1876 Eng. dial.
• MASONER † a mason or bricklayer ...1605 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• PADDY a bricklayer ...1970s US sl.
bricklayer - person, other
• CAD - an assistant or confederate of a lower grade, as a bricklayer's labourer, or a builder's assistant ...1835
• PADDY a menial or manual labourer; a bricklayer's or builder's labourer ...1856
bricklayer - verbs
• PACK THE MUSTARD to work as a bricklayer or labourer ...1930s US tramp sl.
BRIDE (also see wedding) - nouns
• MAILIN(G) the outfit for a bride ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
bride - person
• DRAFT BAIT - a prospective bride ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FAT AND WIDE - a bride ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• GIRL-BRIDE - a young bride ...1847
• MOTHER'S PRIDE - a bride ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• SPOUSESS - † a female spouse - a wife - a bride - a married woman ...1388
• WEDDINGER - a member of a wedding party - rarely, a bride or groom - a newlywed ...1774 Amer. dial.
BRIDEGROOM (also see wedding) - person
• ALIKAY, ALLAKAY, ALLEKAY the bridegroom's man; he who attends on the bridegroom, or is employed as his precursor, at a wedding ...1818 Sc.
• SKINNY a bridegroom ...1992 UK rhyming sl. (skinny as a broom)
• SKINNY AS A BROOM a bridegroom ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• WEDDINGER a member of a wedding party; rarely, a bride or groom, a newlywed ...1774 Amer. dial.
BRIDESMAID (also see wedding) - person
• BEST MAID - the bridesmaid or chief bridesmaid ...1766 orig. & chiefly Sc.
• BRIDEMAID - a bridesmaid ...1851 Amer. dial.
• MAID BRIDE - a bridesmaid ...1965 Amer. dial.
• MAID'S BRIDE - a bridesmaid ...1965 Amer. dial. online
• PARANYMPH - in ancient Greece: the 'friend of the bridegroom' who accompanied the latter when he went to fetch home the bride - also, the bridesmaid who escorted the bride to the bridegroom - hence, a modern best man - a groomsman or a bridesmaid ...1600
• WAITER - † an attendant upon the bride at weddings - a bridesmaid ...1537 obs. exc, Amer. dial.
• WAITRESS - a bridesmaid at a wedding ...1966 Amer. dial.
BRIDGE - nouns
• BIRGE a bridge ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BOW the arch of a bridge ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOW-BRIG a one-arched bridge ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GANGPLANK a bridge ...1976 US sl.
• HUMP a bridge ...1981 UK Citizens' band radio sl.
• RATTIKER a foot-bridge ...B1900 Eng. dial.
bridge - verbs
• LAND † to throw a bridge across a river ...1637
BRIDLE - nouns
• BEARER a bridle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• GAB STRING a bridle ...1785 sl.
• GOB STRING a bridle ...L18 sl.
• NAB GARDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
• NAB GIRDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
• NOB GIRDER a bridle ...L17 UK criminals' sl.
bridle - verbs
• BRANK to bridle or restrain ...Bk1911 Sc.
BRIEF - adjectives
• CHILONIC † brief, compendious, either in speaking or writing ...1656
• COMPENDIARIOUS † brief, short, concise, abridged, compendious ...1730
• FLY-BY-NIGHT brief; impermanent ...colloq.
• HOT brief, quick ...1946 US sl.
• MOMENTAL † lasting only a moment; momentary, brief ...1606
• NARROW * of time: short, brief ...1611
• PAUCILOQUENT * speaking briefly; uttering few words ...1656
• QUEASY short, brief ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SHORT AND SWEET, LIKE A DONKEY'S GALLOP brief and pleasant ...L19 colloq.
• SUDDEN † brief, momentary, lasting only a short time ...1561
• TIMELESS †* of no duration; brief, short-lived ...1657
• WAFF brief, fleeting, short-lived ...1894 Sc.
BRIEFLY - adverbs
• IN A NEEDLE'S E'E in a nutshell, very briefly, giving only the main points ...1796 Sc.
BRIGHT (clever) - adjectives
• QUICK ON THE BUZZER bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• QUICK ON THE DRAW bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• QUICK ON THE TRIGGER bright, intelligent, quick to act ...19C sl.
• SAVVY bright, knowledgeable, aware ...L19
• SMART AS A STEEL-TRAP extremely bright and clever; very sharp and shrewd; intellectually alert, quick-witted ...1821 Amer. dial.
bright (clever) - person
• COOT a bright child ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• MOMZER a bright child ...Bk1998 New York sl.
BRIGHT (light) - adjectives
• BREME † brilliant, shining, bright; hence, clearly seen, evident, apparent, obvious ...c1340
• FACULENT †* bright, clear; giving forth light like a torch ...1560
• FAW † of objects that reflect light: bright, glancing, gleaming, twinkling ...c1000
• GAIRIE of bright or variegated colour, gaudy ...1804 Sc.
• GAIRY of bright or variegated colour, gaudy ...1804 Sc.
• GALLIERT brightly coloured, gaudy ...1915 Sc.
• GAY bright or lively-looking, esp. in colour; brilliant, showy ...a1300
• ILLUMINOUS † bright, illuminatory ...c1485
• ILLUSTRIOUS † lighted up, having lustre or brilliancy; luminous, shining, bright, lustrous ...c1605
• LUCULENT * full of light, bright, clear, shining ...c1420
• NAPPY of a place: bright, cheerful ...1894 Sc.
• NEAT † clear, bright ...1591
• NET † clean, free from filth, etc.; bright, clear ...1481
• QUICK * of colour: vivid, bright, dazzling ...1664
• RADIOUS † radiant, bright ...1500-20
• SCARVISH † bright, clear ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SHEER † bright; shining
• SIDEREAL * star-like; lustrous; bright ...1634
• SIDEREAN * sidereal, starry; like stars, shining, bright ...1656
• SUNBEAMED † as bright as the sun; genial, kind ...1588
• SUNBEAMY as bright as the sun ...a1849
• SUN-CLAD as bright as the sun ...1634 poetic
• VEEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VEHEMENT † vivid; intensely bright ...1635
• VIEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
BRIGHTEN - verbs
• ILLUME to light up; to make shining or bright, to brighten ...1602
• ILLUMINE to brighten as with light; to make radiant ...1508
• ILLUSTRATE † to make lustrous, luminous, or bright; to set off with bright colours; generally, to beautify, to adorn ...1592
• ILLUSTRE † to light up; to brighten ...1490
• RUTILATE †* to shine, to glitter; to emit rays of light; to appear bright ...1623
• UPCHEER †* to cheer up; to brighten, enliven, encourage ...c1586
BRIGHTLY - adverbs
• FAIR in a beautiful or comely manner; agreeably, beautifully, brightly, handsomely, nobly ...a1000
• GAY † brightly, showily, gaily ...1415
BRIGHTNESS (light) - nouns
• CANDESCENCE dazzling whiteness or brightness ...1880
• FACULENCE † brightness, clearness ...1727-36
• GAYNESS † gay appearance, brightness of colour, dressiness, display, pomp ...c1449
• LEAM light, flame; a flash, ray, or gleam of light; brightness, gleam ...c1175 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
BRILLIANCE, BRILLIANCY - nouns
• CANDOUR † brilliant whiteness; brilliancy ...1634
• ÉCLAT † brilliancy, radiance, dazzling effect ...1676
• ORIENCY * brilliancy, lustre ...1652
• ORIENTNESS † the quality of being 'orient'; lustre, brilliancy ...1519
BRILLIANT - adjectives
• DANK excellent, brilliant ...1989 US sl.
• DEADLY excellent; fantastic; brilliant; cool ...1960s sl. Aust. sl.
• GAY bright or lively-looking, esp. in colour; brilliant, showy ...a1300
• GEMMY gem-like; brilliant; glittering ...1580
• LUCULENT † of persons: brilliant, illustrious ...1599
• ORIENT brilliant, lustrous, shining, glowing, radiant, resplendent ...1430-40 arch.
• RANCID excellent, brilliant ...1993 Aust. sl.
• SPLENDICANT † resplendent, brilliant ...1592
• SPLENDIDIOUS † splendid, magnificent, brilliant, excellent, first-rate ...1432-50
• SPLENDIFEROUS splendid, fine, brilliant, gorgeous ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
brilliant - nouns
• DASHER a brilliant or dashing attempt or motion ...1884 colloq.
• DASHING a daring or brilliant action; a showy liveliness in manner, dress, behaviour ...c1800 colloq.
• DASHY a daring or brilliant action; a showy liveliness in manner, dress, behaviour ...c1820 colloq.
• DAZZLER a brilliant act ...c1835 sl.
brilliant - person
• BAMBER - an intellectual, a brilliant person ...1989 UK sl.
BRILLIANTLY - adverbs
• BREME † splendidly, brilliantly, clearly; loudly, fiercely ...a1000
• ORIENTLY † in an 'orient' manner; brilliantly, lustrously; clearly ...1515
BRIM - adjectives
• LABROSE having a brim, bank, or border ...1727
• LABROUS †* having a brim. bank, or border ...1656
brim - nouns
• BARM †* edge, brim ...c1340
• MARGENT margin, edge, or brim of anything ...1538 arch.
BRINDLED - adjectives
• BRANDIE brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAWNIT brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAWNY brindled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRINDLY brindled ...1949 Amer. dial.
BRINE - verbs
• SALSURE † a salting or seasoning brine ...1656
BRING - verbs
• APPORT † to bring ...L16
• DEDUCE † to lead, to bring ...1545
• I-BRINGE † to bring ...a1000
• LEND † to cause to come, to bring, to place ...a1200
• LUG to bring; to accompany ...1884 UK sl.
• WAIN † to carry, to bring, to convey ...a1300
BRINGING UP - nouns
• TIGHT † good breeding; behaviour; bringing up, rearing, training, education ...c888
BRINK - nouns
• CANT † edge, border, brink ...c1375
BRISK - adjectives
• ALACRIOUS † brisk, lively, active, cheerful, gay, joyful ...1602
• ACTIOUS † abounding in or giving rise to action; active, energetic, brisk ...1592
• BRISKY brisk, lively, active, energetic ...1590
• CANT bold, brisk, courageous, hearty, lusty, lively, merry, hale ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• CANTY cheerful, lively, brisk, active, gladsome ...a1724 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• CLARTY-FARTY moving briskly about; frisking; unsettled ...19C Eng. dial.
• COBBY stout, hearty, brisk, lively, pert, saucy, in good spirits, merry, cheerful, well in health ...1691 Eng. dial.
• DEEDFUL brisk, active ...1834
• DEEDY full of deeds or activity; active, brisk; ...1615 chiefly Eng. dial.
• GALLIARD lively, brisk, gay, full of high spirits ...c1386 arch.
• GLIB brisk, vigorous, spry ...1934 Amer. dial.
• JAUNTY lively, brisk ...1719
• KEDGE brisk, lively; in good spirits ...c1440 Eng. dial.
• KEDGY brisk, active, sprightly, lively; cheerful, happy ...1719 Eng. dial.
• KEEAKY brisk, lively ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• KIDGE brisk, active, lively ...1790 Eng. dial.
• KIDGED brisk ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• KIDGY brisk, active, sprightly ...1812 Eng. dial.
• QUEEDY brisk, sharp; shrewd ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUIDDY brisk, sharp; shrewd ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUIVER † active, nimble, brisk, smart, gay, lively; quick, rapid ...c960 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RASH active, vigorous; brisk, hale, hearty, nimble, quick; eager, impetuous ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• RATTLING lively, brisk, noisy; rollicking, wild ...1749 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ROARING brisk; successful; strong ...1831 sl.
• SNAPPY quick; brisk; energetic ...1831 Amer. sl.
• VEEFY of persons: brisk, lively ...1923 Sc.
• VEEVE of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VIEVE of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VIVE † 1. living; brisk, vigorous; fresh ...1610 Sc.
2. of persons: brisk, lively ...1825 Sc.
• VOGEROUS keen, eager; brisk, active, strong, lusty ...1892 Sc. DSL online
• WAKEN alert, brisk, lively; sharp; intelligent, quick-witted ...1867 Eng. dial.
• YARE adj. alert, nimble, active, brisk, quick ...a1300 arch. & Eng. dial.
• YARK brisk, lively; sharp-witted, shrewd, penetrating ...1777 Eng. dial.
• YASP 1. active, brisk, energetic ...1898 Sc.
2. brisk, fresh ...1898 Sc.
• YEPE † active, nimble, brisk, alert, bold, daring ...c1205
• YEPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
• YERN † swift, rapid; brisk, lively; nimble, active ...a1300
• YIPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
brisk - person
• BIRKIE, BIRKY - a brisk, active, energetic person; a lively, smart, or mettlesome fellow ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• GALLIARD - a gay, lively fellow; a brisk, merry, pleasant person ...1768 arch.
• GILPY - * (sometimes derogatory) a young girl, esp. a lively, bold, saucy, or forward one; a brisk, light-hearted girl; a tomboy ...1720 Sc. & Irish English
• OLD TOAST - a brisk old fellow fond of his liquor - one who drinks to excess - a boon companion - a drunkard ...1698 sl.
• SPARK - a brisk, showy man; a fashionable or gallant young man; a dandy ...c1600
brisk - verbs
• BEAR A BOB to be brisk or active ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIRK UP to cheer up; to brisk up ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BREEZE to move or proceed briskly ...1907 US
• BRISKEN to make brisk or lively ...1799
• CANTER to move nimbly or briskly ...1761
• CUT A FEATHER to move briskly ...1684
• DIRL to move briskly; to rush ...1879 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAN to go about briskly; to ride or go fast, esp. on horseback ..1899 US sl., esp. Western
• PEARTEN UP to go more briskly ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SASHIATE to walk or go, esp. in a conspicuous, bold, or easy manner; to strut, to flounce, to saunter; to move briskly about ...1913 Amer. dial.
• SKICE † to move quickly and briskly; to skip or frisk about; to run ...1591 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
BRISKLY - adverbs
• CANTLY † boldly, briskly, eagerly, energetically, cheerily ...1352 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LIVE briskly, fast ...1967 Amer. dial.
• PEART briskly, quickly; in a lively or agreeable way ...1832 Amer. dial.
• YARE †* nimbly, briskly ...1622
• YARELY quickly, promptly, nimbly, briskly, diligently, eagerly ...a900 arch.
• YEPLY † quickly, briskly; promptly, without delay ...a1300
• YERNE † quickly, swiftly, rapidly, fast, briskly, at a great rate ...a1023
BRISKNESS - nouns
• QUICKNESS † animation, liveliness, briskness, vigour, freshness ...c1369
• VIR vigour, energy, activity, briskness, gusto, force, impetuosity ...1738 Sc.
• VIRR vigour, energy, briskness, gusto, force, impetuosity ...1738 Sc.
BRISTLE - nouns
• BIRSE a bristle; hair; a plume of hair or bristles ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUSSEL a bristle ...1815 Amer. dial.
• JAG † a protruding bristle, hair, or fibre; a hairy, bristly, or thread-like outgrowth or projection ...1519
bristle - verbs
• FEATHER UP to bristle, to prepare to fight ...1935 Amer. dial.
BRISTLY - adjectives
• THRISSLY abounding in thistles; bristly ...1804 Sc.
• THRISTLY abounding in thistles; bristly ...1804 Sc.
BRITAIN, BRITISH (also see England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, etc.) - adjectives
• PAMBRITANNICK † consisting of all the Britons or of all parts of Britain ...1709
• PAN-BRITANNIC † consisting of all the Britons or of all parts of Britain ...1709
• SOUTHRON dwelling in the south, especially of Great Britain ...c1470 chiefly Sc.
Britain, British - nouns
• AUNTIE the British Broadcasting Corporation ...1962 UK sl.
• AUNTY the British Broadcasting Corporation ...1962 UK sl.
• OLD COUNTRY, THE Great Britain ...1817
• OLD HOME Great Britain ...1886
• QUEEN, THE the UK's national anthem ...1952 UK sl.
Britain, British - person
• BENEFIT TOURIST - a person who travels to Britain in order to live off social security payments while untruthfully claiming to be seeking work ...1992 Brit. colloq.
• BLACK BRITON - a Black British person ...1971
• BLIMEY - a British person; an English person ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRIT - a British person ...1901 sl., now mainly US
• BRITISHER - a native or citizen of Britain ...orig. US
• BRITONESS - a female citizen of the United Kingdom
• GALLO-BRITON - one partly French and partly British, either in birth or sympathies ...1819
• JOHNNY CRAPOSE - a British seaman wearing a moustache ...c1815 nautical sl.
• LIMEJUICER - a Britisher ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• LIMEY - orig. a British immigrant, and hence, a British person ...1888 sl., orig. Aust., NZ & S. Afr.
• SASSENACH - the name given by the Gaelic inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland to their 'Saxon' or English neighbours ...1771
• SOUTHRON - a native of the south of Great Britain - an Englishman ...c1470
• TOMMY ATKINS - a British soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
Britain, British - verbs
• BRITANNICIZE to make Britannic or British in form or character ...1887
Britain, British - phrases
• TWIST THE LION'S TAIL to irritate Britain
BRITTLE - adjectives
• BRASHY brittle ,,,1929 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLE † liable to break, easily broken; fragile, brittle ...1468 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BRICKLE AS A PIE CRUST brittle, easily broken ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLY brittle; easily broken; crisp ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BRITTLY brittle, easily broken ...1967 Amer. dial.
• CASSANT †* brittle; friable ...1725
• CHALKY brittle; easily broken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EGG-SHELL very weak or brittle ...1834
• HASK rough to the touch; stiff, unyielding; brittle and difficult to work ...1788 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEPPY crisp, brittle ...1865 Eng. dial.
• NESH brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SMOPPLE brittle, crisp, crumbling, as 'smopple' wood, or a 'smopple' pie crust ...1731 Eng. dial.
• TART brittle ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
brittle - verbs
• BRICKLE to flake or peel because of brittleness ...1936 Amer. dial.
BROAD - adjectives
• BEAMY broad, wide, usually of a person; having a big backside ...1974 Amer. dial.
• BRADE broad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAID broad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BROAD AS NARROW LIKE PADDY'S PLANK, AS as broad as long ...1889 Eng. dial.
• LATE †* broad, wide ...1657
• QUAT low and broad; squat ...1848 Eng. dial.
• QUOT low and broad; squat ...1848 Eng. dial.
BROADCASTING - nouns
• BUTTON in broadcasting: the finalizing bit of music or sound effects on a commercial ...1980 Amer. Radio & TV usage
BROIL - nouns
• BELLANDINE a broil, a squabble ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DISBUST an uproar, a broil ...Bk1900 Sc.
• GARBOIL a broil, commotion, uproar ...1818 Sc.
• HAGGERDASH † disorder, a broil ...1825 Sc.
• HAGGERDECASH disorder; a broil ...Bk1905 Sc.
• JAR a dissension, a dispute, a quarrel; a petty broil ...1583
• STRAMULLION a row, a broil ...B1900 Sc.
• TIRPEIL † a broil, an encounter, a tumult ...c1330
• TIRPELL † a broil, an encounter, a tumult ...c1330
BROILED - adjectives
• YBROYLID † broiled ...c1430
BROKE (without money) - see PENNILESS
BROKEN (also see BREAK) - adjectives
• ABRUPTED * suddenly broken off ...
• ALL-A-BITS in pieces or rags, broken ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• AUSGESPIELT tired out; finished; broken ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLE AS A PIE CRUST brittle, easily broken ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BRICKLY brittle; easily broken; crisp ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BRITTLY brittle, easily broken ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BROKITY broken ...1960 Amer. dial.
• BUCKY out of order, not working right ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BUSTED burst, broken; bankrupt or ruined ...1881 US colloq.
• BUSTED-UP burst, broken; bankrupt or ruined ...a1909 US colloq.
• BUSTICATED broken, completely shattered ...1916 Amer. dial.
• CHALKY brittle; easily broken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CONFRAGOSE †* rough with breaks, or shattered parts; broken; uneven ...1654
• CROCK broken; no good; worthless ...1957 Aust. sl.
• EFFRACTED †* broken off ...1657
• FORBRITTENED broken in pieces ...? a1400
• FUTZED-UP fucked up, messed up, confused; broken ...20C US sl.
• GONE TO GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• GUNNY-SACKED broken, fouled up ...1942 Amer. dial.
• I-BROKE † broken ...c900
• KAPUT ruined, broken, or not functioning ...1910s sl.
• NASHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESH brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESHY brittle, easily broken ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NO GOOD TO GUNDY unsatisfactory; broken; beyond repair; ruined; worthless ...Aust. sl.
• ONCUS of machinery: out of order ...20C Aust. & NZ sl.
• OUT OF KELTER out of harmony or balance; not working, broken; unwell ...1643
• OUT OF KILTER out of harmony or balance; not working, broken; unwell ...1643
• PAKARU broken, smashed, crushed ...World War I NZ services' sl.
• SKEE-WHIFFED broken; damaged ...1993 Amer. dial.
• TEN-ONE broken ...1982 UK teen sl.
• UP THE WOP broken; unsound ...2001 NZ sl.
• WONKEY broken ...2001 US sl.
• WONKY broken ...2001 US sl.
broken - adverbs
• A-SCAT broken like an egg ...1790 Eng. dial.
broken - nouns
• CLUCK a mechanical device which will not work ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GABBER a fragment, a broken piece ...Bk1900 Sc.
• GABBIT † a broken piece, a fragment ...1808 Sc.
• GABER a fragment, a broken piece ...Bk1900 Sc.
• MAMMOCK a scrap, a shred, a broken or torn piece ...a1529 arch. or Eng. dial.
• SCARD a broken piece of pottery or any brittle substance ...1811 Eng. dial.
broken - phrases
• BUGGERED FOR THE WANT OF AN IRISH KING broken, out of order ...1960s NZ sl.
BROKEN DOWN - adjectives
• BLINKED OUT out of order, broken down ...1970 Amer. dial.
• QUEER of machinery, etc.: out of order ...L19 sl.
BROKEN-HEARTED - adjectives
• HEART-SORE broken-hearted ...1591
BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS - nouns
• HEART-SORE pain or grief of heart, broken-heartedness ...c1100
BROKER - person
• BANIAN - in Bengal: a native broker attached to a house of business, or a person similarly employed by a private gentleman ...1687
• BANQUETER - a broker, a trafficker ...1534
• GUTTERSNIPE - a broker who does business chiefly on the sidewalk or in the street, and who is not a member of the Stock Exchange ...1856 Amer. sl.
• KERB-STONE BROKER - a broker, not a member of the stock exchange, who transacts business in the streets ...1860 US
• MACKELER - †* a broker ...1682
• POACHER - a broker dealing out of, or frequently changing, his market ...c1890 Stock Exchange colloq.
BROKERAGE - nouns
• MACKELEREDGE †* brokerage ...1682
• MAKRELTY † brokerage ...1495
BRONCHITIS - nouns
• BA-HA bronchitis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BROWN KITTIES bronchitis ...1941 Amer. dial.
BROOCH - nouns
• BAGUE † a ring; a brooch ...1475
• BEAUTY BAR a brooch ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BEAUTY PIN a brooch ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOSOM-HOOK a brooch ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BOSOM-PIN a brooch ...1855 Amer. dial.
• DALK † a pin, brooch, clasp, buckle ...c1000
BROOD - nouns
• BREED a brood, a litter ...Bk1911 Sc.
brood - verbs
• EVIL to brood ...1959 Amer. dial.
BROODING - adjectives
• BROODISH brooding, moody, sullen ...1981 Amer. dial.
• BROODY brooding, meditative; dejected ...1851
• PENSEROSE * meditative, brooding, melancholy ...1831
• PENSIFUL † thoughtful, meditative, pensive; anxious, brooding; melancholy, sorrowful ...a1450 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
brooding - person
• PENSEROSE * a brooding or melancholy person or personality ...B1900
BROODINGLY - adverbs
• EVILLY sullenly; broodingly ...1967 Amer. dial.
BROOK - nouns
• BECK a brook or stream ...a1300
• BECKETT a little brook ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• GUTTER a watercourse; a small brook or channel ...1656
• LAKE a brook, rivulet, or stream ...1888 Eng. dial.
• RAIN †* a small stream, brook, or ditch ...1611
• SCOUR a rapid flow over shallows in rivers or brooks; a rapid turn in brooks; the shallow part of a river or brook ...1865 Eng. dial.
brook - verbs
• VENT of a brook: to flow into a river ...1784 US
BROOM - nouns
• BALD-HEADED END OF A BROOM the handle ...1917 US sl.
• BESOM an implement for sweeping, usually made of a bunch of broom, heather, birch, or other twigs bound together round a handle; a broom ...c1000
broom - person
• BESOM-MAKER a maker of brooms ...1814 Eng. dial.
BROOMSTICK - nouns
• BESOM-SHAFT a broomstick ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHANK a broomstick ...1805 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-STAKE a broomstick ...1895 Eng. dial.
BROTH - nouns
• BAREFOOT-BROTH broth made with butter and vegetables, without any meat ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BAREFOOT-KAIL broth made with butter and vegetables, without any meat ...1787 Sc.
• BEEF-BREWIS broth made from beef ...1820 Sc.
• BREE water in which any article of food is boiled; broth, soup, gravy, sauce, juice ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• CAMPHOR AND MOTH broth ...1930s UK tramps' rhyming sl.
• KAILLY-BROSE broth made from colewort or vegetables ...Bk1902 Sc.
• KALE broth or soup made with various kinds of vegetables ...a1480 Sc.
• KALE-BROSE broth made from colewort or other greens, vegetable soup ...1824 Sc.
• KALE-BROTH broth made from colewort or other greens, vegetable soup ...1891 Sc.
• LENTEN-KAIL broth made without meat ...1805 Sc.
• SHACKLES any broth, soup, or stew ...1886 sl.
• WACK-ROWDY-DOW weak beer, broth, tea, etc. ...1895 Eng. dial.
• WATER-KALE broth made without meat or fat ...c1470 Sc.
broth - person
• KAIL-SIPPER one who is fond of broth; a nickname given to the people of Fife ...1765 Sc.
• KAIL-SUPPER one who is fond of broth; a nickname given to the people of Fife ...1765 Sc.
broth - verbs
• SAM † of broth, etc.: to skim; to put in thickening ...1790 Eng. dial.
BROTHEL - adjectives
• IMBROTHELED †* placed in a brothel ...1593
brothel - nouns
• ACADEMY a brothel ...1690 Eng. sl.
• ACCOMMODATION HOUSE a brothel ...18C sl.
• ASSIGNATION HOUSE a brothel ...19C euphemism
• BADGER-CRIB a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BAGNIO a brothel; a house of prostitution ...1624
• BAG-SHANTY a brothel ...20C Brit. navy sl.
• BAINS brothels ...1541
• BAND n. a brothel ...M20 Aust. sl.
• BAND-BOX a brothel ...20C Brit. sl.
• BAND-HOUSE a brothel ...20C Brit. sl.
• BANG a brothel ...E20 Aust. sl.
• BANG HOUSE a brothel ...1984 Amer. sl.
• BARREL-HOUSE a brothel or cheap saloon ...L19 US sl.
• BAT HOUSE a brothel ...20C Aust. sl.
• BAWDY-HOUSE a brothel ...1552
• BAWDY KEN a brothel ...E19 sl.
• BED-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BODIKIN a brothel ...E19 sl.
• BORDEL a brothel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BORDEL-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BREAD-AND-BUTTER-WAREHOUSE a brothel (spec. Ranelagh Gardens) ...Bk19C sl.
• BUM-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• BUTTOCKING KEN a brothel ...19C cant
• BUTTOCKING SHOP a brothel ...1811 sl.
• BUTTON-HOLE FACTORY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CAB a brothel ...1811 sl.
• CAB JOINT a brothel whose customers are spotted and transported by taxi drivers ...1930 sl., orig. US
• CAKE SHOP a brothel ...1950s Aust. sl.
• CALL APARTMENT a brothel ...1910s US sl.
• CALL FLAT a brothel, or a place where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1916 Amer. sl.
• CALL HOUSE 1. a brothel to which men can come without making any prior appointment ...L19 sl.
2. a brothel; a house of assignation where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1913 Amer. sl.
• CALL JOINT a brothel, or a place where appointments with prostitutes can be made, as by telephone ...1916 Amer. sl.
• CAMP a brothel ...20C US sl.
• CAN HOUSE a brothel ...20C US sl.
• CARSEY a brothel ...2002 UK sl.
• CASE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CAT-HOUSE a brothel ...1931 sl.
• CAT WAGON a travelling brothel; a wagon that carried women of easy virtue who plied their trade along the cattle trials or on the range ...1916 Amer. dial.
• CATS' NEST a house of ill repute ...1912 Amer. dial.
• CAVAULTING SCHOOL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CHEAP JOHN a flophouse; a cheap brothel; a dirty, dilapidated saloon ...20C Amer. sl.
• CHICKEN-HOUSE a brothel ...1960s sl.
• CHICKEN RANCH a brothel ...1960s sl.
• CHIPPIE JOINT a brothel ...1924 Amer. sl.
• CHIPPY HOUSE a brothel ...1929 Amer. sl.
• CHIPPY JOINT a brothel ...1924 Amer. sl.
• CORINTH a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• COUPLING-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• COVENT GARDEN NUNNERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• CRACKER a brothel ...Aust. sl.
• CREEP-HOUSE a brothel or other place where prostitutes rob their clients ...1913 US sl.
• CREEP JOINT a brothel or other place where prostitutes rob their clients ...1921 US sl.
• CRIB a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CRIB-HOUSE a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CRIB-JOINT a brothel ...c1857 sl., chiefly US
• CUNNY-WARREN † a brothel ...1785 sl.
• CUNT-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DANCING ACADEMY a brothel ...M17 sl.
• DANCING SCHOOL a brothel ...M17 sl.
• DISORDERLY-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DIVE a brothel ...L19 US sl.
• DOOR a brothel ...1920s Aust. sl.
• DRUM a brothel ...1859 sl., chiefly US
• FAIRY HOUSE a male brothel for homosexuals ...L19 US gay sl.
• FAIRY JOINT a male brothel for homosexuals ...L19 US gay sl.
• FANCY-HOUSE a brothel ...1864 sl.
• FANDANGO HOUSE a brothel ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAST HOUSE a brothel ...1869 Amer. sl.
• FINISHING-ACADEMY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FISH-MARKET a brothel; a low brothel with bad-smelling whores ...M19 Brit. sl.
• FISH-POUND a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-CASE a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-CRIB a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-DISPENSARY a swell brothel ... Bk1893 sl.
• FLASH-DRUM a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-HOUSE a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-KEN a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...Bk19C sl.
• FLASH-PANNY a brothel; a haunt of loose women ...1811 sl.
• FLESH-FACTORY a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• FLESH-MARKET a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• FLESH-POT a brothel ...sl.
• FUCKERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GARDEN-HOUSE a house kept for immoral purposes; a brothel ...1607 obs.
• GAY HOUSE a brothel ...19C Brit. & US Sl.
• GIRLERY a brothel ...19C sl.
• GOAL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GREEN-GROCERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• GRINDING-HOUSE a brothel ...19C sl.
• HARLOT-HOUSE a brothel ...1659
• HOCK-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOLE IN THE WALL a brothel ...M17 sl.
• HOOK-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOOK-SHOP a brothel ...1889 sl.
• HOT-HOUSE a brothel ...sl.
• HOUSE a brothel ...1865 Amer. sl.
• HOUSE OF JOY a brothel ...1948 US sl.
• HOUSE IN THE SUBURBS a brothel ...Bk1904 sl.
• HOUSE OF ACCOMMODATION a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOUSE OF CIVIL RECEPTION a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• HOUSE OF LEWDNESS a brothel ...20C US colloq.
• HOUSE OF PROFESSION a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HOUSE OF RESORT a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HOUSE OF SALE a brothel ...Shakespeare usage
• HUMMUM a brothel ...L17 sl.
• ICE PALACE a high-class saloon or brothel ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• ILL HOUSE a house of ill fame ...1749
• JACKSIE a brothel ...20C Aust. sl.
• JAG-HOUSE a brothel offering male prostitutes for males ...M20 US sl.
• JAZZ HOUSE a brothel ...1927 Amer. sl.
• JOOK a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JOY-HOUSE a brothel ...1940 sl.
• JUKE a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JUKE-HOUSE a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• JUKE-JOINT a brothel ...1935 sl., orig. US
• KARSEY a brothel ...2002 UK sl.
• KIP a brothel ...1766 sl.
• KIP-HOUSE a brothel ...1766 Brit. sl.
• KIP-SHOP a brothel ...1766 Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-HOUSE a brothel ...19C Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-JOINT a brothel ...19C Brit. sl.
• KNOCKING-SHOP a brothel ...1860 sl.
• LADIES' BOARDING HOUSE a brothel ...M19 sl.
• LADIES' COLLEGE a brothel ...18C sl.
• LANDLADY'S, THE a brothel ...1879 US sl.
• LEAPING HOUSE † a brothel ...1596
• LINE collectively, the prostitutes in a brothel who are available for sex at a given moment ...1987 US sl.
• LONG-HOUSE a brothel ...1933 Amer. dial.
• LOOSE-LOVE CENTER a brothel ...20C US sl.
• LOVE FACTORY a brothel ...1983 US sl.
• MALEHOUSE a homosexual brothel ...1963 US sl.
• MEAT-FANCIER'S HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MEAT-FANCIER'S MARKET a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MEAT-HOUSE a brothel ...1896 sl.
• MOLL CRIB a brothel ...1866 Amer. sl.
• MOLL SHOP a brothel ...20C sl.
• MOLLY-SHOP a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• MONKEY HOUSE a brothel ...1949 US sl.
• MOT-CASE a brothel ...M19 sl.
• NANNY-HOUSE * a bawdy-house, a brothel ...a1700
• NANNY-SHOP a brothel ...c1696 sl.
• NAUGHTY-HOUSE a brothel ...1603 sl.
• NAUTCH a brothel; a striptease; a sex show of any kind ...1872 US sl.
• NAUTCHERY a brothel ...1942-49 Amer. sl.
• NAUTCH HOUSE a brothel ...1929 Amer. sl.
• NAUTCH JOINT a brothel ...1935 Amer. sl.
• NOTCHERIE a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NOTCHERY a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NOTCH-HOUSE a brothel ...1931 sl.
• NOTCH-JOINT a brothel ...E20 US sl.
• NUGGING-HOUSE a brothel ...M18 cant
• NUGGING-KEN a brothel ...M18 cant
• NUMBER 9 a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• NUNNERY a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• OCCUPANT a brothel ...17C sl.
• OCCUPYING-HOUSE a brothel ...L16 sl.
• OLD LADIES' HOME a brothel where decorum and the proprieties must be observed ...1931 US sl.
• ONERY-HOUSE a brothel ...20C US colloq.
• PANEL CRIB a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PANEL-DEN a brothel in which the walls have sliding panels for the purpose of robbery ...1860
• PANEL-HOUSE a brothel in which the walls have sliding panels for the purpose of robbery ...1860
• PANEL JOINT a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PANEL STORE a brothel, esp. one which specializes in robbing the clients ...M19 sl.
• PARLOR HOUSE a high-class brothel, situated in what appears to be a fashionably furnished middle-class house, and run by a complaisant 'aunt' whose bevy of attractive 'nieces' gather in the front parlour to meet, and make themselves available to visitors; cheaper brothels had little more than bedrooms in which one had sex ...M19 US sl.
• PARLOUR-HOUSE an expensive type of brothel ...1872 sl., chiefly US
• PEG-HOUSE a brothel; also, a meeting-place for male homosexuals ...1931 US sl.
• PROSTIBULE †* a house of prostitution, a brothel ...1623
• PUSHING-SCHOOL a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• QUEAN-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAG, THE the regimental brothel ...c1880 Indian Army (non-officers') usage
• RED-GRATE a tavern or brothel, or both combined ...c1622 sl.
• RIB-JOINT a brothel ...1943 US sl.
• SKIN-HOUSE a brothel or place where the entertainment is of a sexual nature ...1970 US sl.
• SLAUGHTER-HOUSE a cheap brothel ...1928 sl.
• SMOCK ALLEY those streets occupied by brothels ...17C sl.
• SMOONGY a brothel ...World War I US sl.
• SMUGGLING-KEN a brothel ...18C cant
• SPORTER a brothel ...20C Jamaican
• SPORT-HOUSE a brothel ...20C W. Indies
• SPORTING HOUSE a brothel ...1855 sl.
• STEWS a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• SUBURB-GARDEN a brothel ...1583 sl.
• TOUCH-CRIB a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• TRUGGING-KEN a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• VAULTING-DOOR † the door of a 'vaulting-house' (brothel) ...1596
• VAULTING HOUSE † a brothel ...1596
• VAULTING-SCHOOL † a brothel ...1606
• VICTUALLING-HOUSE a brothel ...L16 sl.
• VROW-CASE a brothel ...17C Brit. cant
• WALK-UP a brothel ...20C US
• WARREN a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• WHORE-HOUSE a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• WHORE-SHOP a brothel ...19C colloq.
• WINDOW TAPPERY a brothel ...20C US criminals' sl.
• ZOO a brothel whose workers come from 'all nations' ...1930s sl.
brothel - person
• PARCEL - a British woman sold into a foreign brothel ...L19 sl.
• TAXI STEERER - a cab driver who steers customers to a whorehouse; he usually receives payment from the house and the customer ...1910 US criminals' sl.
BROTHEL BULLY, BROTHEL-KEEPER (also see BAWD) - person
• ABBESS - a woman in charge of a brothel; a madam; a bawd; a procuress ...1594
• ABBOT - a brothel-keeper's husband or lover - a bawd's man; a ponce ...1591 sl.
• ABBOT ON THE CROSS 1. a pimp or brothel owner who runs a brothel for the purpose of robbery or extortion more than for prostitution ...19C Brit. sl.
2. the bully of a brothel - one employed by a brothel as a bodyguard for prostitutes - a brothel 'bouncer' ...19C Brit. sl.
• AUNT - the manager of a brothel - a bawd - a prostitute ...1606 UK sl.
• AUNTIE - a brothel madam - a bawd - an old prostitute ...17C sl.
• AUNTY - a loose woman - a bawd ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BADGER - † a male whorehouse manager ...1889 UK criminals' sl.
• BALDSTROD - a bawd, a procuress ...a1500 Sc.
• BALDYSTROT - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BALESTROD - a bawd, a procurer ...a1500 Sc.
• BAUD - a procurer or procuress; a brothel-keeper; a harlot ...1362
• BAUDSTROT - a bawd, a pander, a procuress ...1362
• BAWDRESS - † a woman bawd ...1569
• BAWDSTROT - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BAWSTROP - † a bawd, male or female - a pander - a procuress ...1362
• BEARD-JAMMER - a whoremaster; one who conducts a brothel; a pimp ...1927 US sl.
• BED-BROKER - † a pander, a pimp ...1594
• BELLSWAGGER - † a whoremonger, a womanizer, a pimp ...1592
• BELLY-SWAGGER - † a swaggering gallant or bully; a whoremonger, a lecher, a pimp ...1775
• B-GIRL - a girl who works in a brothel where drinks are sold ...Bk2002 US criminals' sl.
• BISMAR - a keeper of a brothel; a bawd ...Bk1874 Sc.
• BISMARE - a lewd woman; a bawd ...1825 Sc.
• BISMER - † a person worthy of scorn; a disgraceful or lewd person; a pander or bawd ...a1400 obs. exc. Sc.
• BUTTOCK BROKER - a bawd - also, a match-maker ...1698 sl.
• CAPTAIN - a gaming or bawdy house bully ...1731 sl.
• CROZIERED ABBOT - the bully of a brothel ...Bk19C sl.
• DAB - a pimp, esp. a bawd ...L19 sl.
• FLESH-BROKER - a bawd - a procuress ...L17 sl.
• FLESH-MONGER - a procurer - a pimp - the male keeper of a brothel ...17C sl.
• GAP-STOPPER - a pimp or whoremaster; one who runs a brothel; a whoremonger ...Bk1796 sl.
• HACK - a prostitute; a bawd ...1730
• HACKNEY WOMAN - †* a woman who obtains a prostitute for a client; a procuress ...c1616
• HECTOR - a swaggering fellow; a swashbuckler; a braggart, a blusterer, a bully, a thug; a bouncer, esp. of a brothel ...1631
• HE-MADAME - a male who manages a whorehouse ...1933 criminals' sl.
• HEYDERDAN - an old brothel-keeper who has been whipped 'at the cart's tail' (the victim would be tied to the back of a cart and forced to walk along behind the cart as he was whipped; whether male or female, the victim would be stripped to the waist before the whipping began; the number of lashes (times whipped) and the distance travelled varied from crime to crime) ...1741 UK criminals' sl.
• KIP-KEEPER - a brothel-keeper - a madame ...M18 sl.
• LADY ABBESS - a brothel-keeper - a madame ...L17 sl.
• LANDLADY - the proprietress of a brothel - a madam ...1939 US sl.
• MACKAREL - a bawd ...Bk1737 sl.
• MACKAWL - a bawd ...Bk1890 sl.
• MACKEREL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MACRELL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MACRIO - †* one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...a1627
• MADAM(E) - a bawd - the proprietor of a male or female brothel ...E18 sl.
• MAMA-SAN - an elderly or middle-aged East Asian woman - often applied to one who manages a brothel ...1946 Amer. sl.
• MAN-HUCKSTER - † 'a mistress of the male stews' (brothel) ...a1625
• MAQUERELL - † one who ministers to sexual debauchery - a bawd - a pimp - a procurer or procuress ...1426
• MEAT-MERCHANT - a bawd ...19C sl.
• MEAT-MONGER - a male who is a brothel keeper ...19C Brit. sl.
• MINE AUNT - a procuress, esp. the madam of a brothel or bawdy-house ...1785 sl.
• MOTHER - a woman who runs a brothel; a madam; now chiefly used as a title ...1552
• MOTHER ABBESS - a brothel-keeper, a bawd, a madam ...1748 UK sl.
• MOTHER OF THE MAIDS - a brothel-keeper, a bawd, a madam ...1629 UK sl.
• OUTSIDE MAN - that member of a confidence trick team who locates a potential victim, lures him deeper into the hoax, and helps to fleece him - the 'steerer' for a brothel ...M19 sl., orig. US
• PADRONA - the mistress of a household; a woman who keeps a hotel, inn, or brothel ...1744 chiefly in Italian-speaking communities
• SMOCKSTER - a madam or a pimp ...E17 Brit. sl.
• SUBURBAN-ROARER - a pimp - a bawdy-house bully ...1659 sl.
• VENUS' HEN-WIFE - † a bawd ...1513
• WAFERER - a pander; a male bawd ...Bk1904 sl.
• WAFER-WOMAN - a bawd; a procuress, a madame ...1607 sl.
• WAGON-HUNTER - † an agent of a brothel-keeper who for base purposes visited the inns at which the stage-wagons stopped ...c1766 cant
BROTHER - person
• ANCHOR - a younger brother or sister ...2003 UK sl.
• B - a buddy - a brother - used as an address ...1995 US sl.
• BIDDA - brother ...1933 Sc.
• BILLIE - brother ...1724 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BILLY - a brother ...1686 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIZA - a blood brother ...2005 S. Afr. prison sl.
• BLA - a brother - a friend - a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLALA - a brother - a friend - a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BOO - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOOBIE - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOO BOO - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BOYSIE - a boy - a brother ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BRO - a brother ...1937 sl.
• BUB - a brother ...1859 Amer. dial.
• BUBBA - a brother - a term of address ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BUBBER - a brother - a term of address ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BUBBUH - a brother - a term of address ...1922 Amer. dial.
• BUBBY - a nickname or a term of address for a brother ...1859 Amer. dial.
• BUBS - a brother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BUD - a nickname or term of address for a brother or eldest son ...1851 Amer. dial.
• BUDDIE, BUDDY - a nickname or term of address for a brother or eldest son ...1858 Amer. dial.
• BUNNER - brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BUZZ - a nickname for a brother ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BUZZER - a nickname for a brother ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BUZZY - a nickname for a brother ...1950 Amer. dial.
• CADET - a younger son or brother ...1610
• CHIN CHOPPER a cunning, lovable little brother ...1930 Amer. dial.
• GERMAN - † one sprung from the same stock; a brother, a near relative; one approaching a brother in nearness of blood; generally applied to the children of brothers and sisters, who are called cousins german ...1491
• GERMANE - * a close relative, a full brother or sister ...1502
• GERMANE BROTHER - a man or boy having the same biological parents as another; a full brother ...a1449
• HALF-BROTHER - a brother by one parent only ...c1330
• MOTHER BAIRN - † a maternal half-brother or half-sister ...1563 Sc.
• ONE AND OTHER - a brother ...2000s Irish rhyming sl.
• ONE AND T'OTHER - a brother ...1910s rhyming sl.
• ONE ANOTHER - a brother ...L19 rhyming sl.
• PAL - a brother ...Bk1860 gypsy usage
• TITTIE AND BILLIE - sister and brother ...18C Sc.
brother - person, other
• WALLY a nickname for someone seen as acting like a big brother or sister ...1980s US college sl.
brother - verbs
• ELDER IT to play the elder brother or sister ...1855 nonce word
BROTHERHOOD - nouns
• BILLYHOOD brotherhood ...1818 Sc.
BROTHER-IN-LAW - person
• BAYAO a brother-in-law or sister-in-law ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BAYAW a brother-in-law or sister-in-law ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BEDSTEAD RELATION an in-law; a relation you get in marriage ...1967 Amer. dial.
• MAUGH † a brother-in-law; a near connection ...1684 Eng. dial.
BROUGHT - adjectives
• YFET † brought, carried, fetched; acquired ...c893
BROW - adjectives
• SCOOLY of the brow: scowling, frowning ...1923 Sc.
• THRAWN of the brow: knitted ...1721 Sc.
brow - nouns
• REE the brow; the eyebrow ...Bk1911 Sc.
BROWBEAT - verbs
• BABBIS † to browbeat ...1825 Sc.
• BAM to browbeat, to bully; to beat, to strike ...1889 Eng. dial.
• DUMB-COW to browbeat; to cow ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• MOMMICK to harass, to browbeat ...1950 Amer. dial.
• MUMMOCK to harass, to browbeat ...1950 Amer. dial.
• THREAP to beat down in a bargain or argument; to browbeat, to talk down; to haggle over a bargain ...1871 Sc. & Eng. dial.
BROWBEATING - nouns
• FACING † the act of boasting, swaggering, or browbeating; a defiance ...1523
BROWN - adjectives
• ADUST of colour: brown, as if scorched by fire, or by the sun; sunburnt ...1596
• ADUSTED † of colour: brown, as if scorched by fire, or by the sun; sunburnt ...1550
• BANGY brown ...1859 Brit. sl.
• DANDY GREY RUSSET dirty brown in colour ...L18 sl.
• DIMPSY BROWN dull brown, mouse-coloured ...Bk1900 N. Ireland
• MUCKLE-DUN of a muddy grey or brown colour; of a nondescript colour ...1916 Amer. dial.
• OOMSKIT dusky, dirty-grey or brownish in colour ...1866 Sc.
• SHIT-BRINDLE muddy brown ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TURD-BRINDLE muddy brown ...1966 Amer. dial.
brown - nouns
• BISQUE a light brown colour or tint ...1921
• CACKY a yellowish-brown colour ...1984 UK
• DANDY GREY RUSSET a dirty brown ...M18 colloq.
• HAVANA-BROWN the shade of brown which is the colour of havana cigars ...1875
• RAMONEUR a colour resembling that of soot (dingy shade of brown approaching nearly to black) ...1835
BROWNIE - person
• TAWNY OWL - a name (no longer in official use) for an assistant Brownie Guider ...1921
BROWNISH - adjectives
• FALLOW † of a pale brownish or reddish yellow colour, as withered grass or leaves ...8C-11C
BRUISE - nouns
• BAT-EYE a bruise near the eye ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BATTERY † a mark of beating; a wound or bruise ...1592
• BATTLE SCAR a bruise on the skin caused by sucking ...1982 Hawaii youth usage
• BIRSE a bruise, contusion; pressure, a squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUZZ a bruise ...18C Eng. dial.
• DEAD MAN'S PINCHES small discoloured marks on the skin; black and blue spots on one's skin that one cannot account for ...1883 Ireland & Amer. dial.
• DINGE to indent, to bruise, to knock in ...1854 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAT LIP a bruise; the result of a blow ...1940s sl.
• GWIDGY-GWEE a small black spot caused by a pinch or bruise ...1895 Eng. dial.
• MOUSE a bruise ...1842 US sl.
• OWIE a hurt, pain; a bruise or minor injury ...1967 Amer. dial.
• RAINBOW a discoloured bruise ...1811 boxing sl.
• SAIR a sore; a wound, a bruise ...1768 Sc.
• STONE BRUISE any bruise on the sole of the foot ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• STRAWBERRY a sore or bruise, esp. one caused by friction with the ground ...1921 N. Amer. colloq.
• SUGGILLATION † a beating black and blue; a bruise ...1623
• SUGILLATION † a beating black and blue; a bruise ...1623
• WAN † a dark or livid mark produced by a blow; a bruise ...1533 Sc.
• WHELK a pustule, a pimple; a welt, a bruise, a bump on the skin ...1848 Amer. dial.
• WHELP a bump on the skin, as from a mosquito bite; a bruise; a welt ...1895 Amer. dial.
• YETHER a discolouration of the skin caused by a blow ...1889 Eng. dial.
bruise - verbs
• BATTER to strike with repeated blows of an instrument or weapon; to beat continuously and violently so as to bruise and shatter ...c1325
• BATTERFANG † to strike with repeated blows of an instrument or weapon; to beat continuously and violently so as to bruise and shatter; to assail violently ...1630 obs. exc. Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BEMAUL to maul; to bruise or soil by fighting or rough play ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRSE to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLUE to turn blue when bruised; to bruise ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BRASH to assault, to bruise; to break bones ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRUZZ to bruise, to batter, to break the skin ...1750 Eng. dial.
• CONTUND to bruise by beating, to pound or thrash ...1654
• DAMMISH to bruise the surface of by a knock, as with an apple, etc. ...19C Sc.
• DUMMOCK to knock about, bruise ...19C Eng. dial.
• HASH to bruise, to ill-treat ...1827 Sc.
• HATTER † to bruise with blows; to batter the edge or face of, to erode ...c1450 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• MANCH to mince; to mash, to bruise, to crush to a pulp; to beat up ...1895 Eng. dial.
• MANG to break in pieces; to bruise, to crush; to overpower ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MARK UP to bruise; to leave scars after a fight ...1910s sl.
• MELL to hammer; to strike with a 'mell' or with the fist; to beat severely; to pound; to bruise ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MELT to make a person or animal sink suddenly under a blow to the side; to knock, to bruise ...1785 Sc.
• SUGGILL †* to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1663 obs
• SUGGILLATE † to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1623 rare or obs.
• SUGILL †* to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1663
• SUGILLATE † to beat black and blue; to bruise ...1623 rare or obs.
• THRING † to press together, to squeeze, to compress; to crush, to bruise ...a1300
• TO-BRUISE † to crush to pieces, to smash; to bruise severely ...c1000
BRUISED - adjectives
• BASHED bruised, dinted ...1856 Eng. dial.
• BATTERABLE that can be battered or bruised by beating ...1611
• BATTERFANGED bruised, beaten, scratched ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEAT bruised with walking or hard work ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BET beaten, bruised ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• OBTRITE †* worn, bruised; trodden under foot ...1656
• WHELTED bruised ...1949 Amer. dial.
BRUISING - nouns
• OBTRITION † a bruising or wearing away against anything ...1638
BRUNETTE - person
• BROWNETTA † a brunette ...1582
• BRUNE a dark-complexioned girl or woman; a brunette ...1870
• INK a (very dark) brune or brunette ...1925 US sl.
BRUSH - nouns
• IAN RUSH a brush ...1980s rhyming sl.
BRUSHWOOD - nouns
• BAVIN 1. a bundle of brushwood or light underwood, such as was used in baker's ovens, differing from a fagot in being bound with only one withe or band instead of two ...1528
2. brushwood, firewood ...1577
• HAG brushwood, branches of felled trees used for fuel or firewood ...1820 Sc.
• RAMMEL † brushwood, underwood, small trees or bushes ...1373 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCOWS brushwood, firewood ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRILE brushwood, underwood ...1898 Eng. dial.
• WALLET brushwood; underwood when cut ...1873 Eng. dial.
BRUSQUE - adjectives
• NEBBIE sharp in manner, brusque, tart ...1860 Sc.
• NIP-SICKER ill-natured, brusque, very positive and decided in one's manner and opinions ...1866 Sc.
• OFF-HANDED stiff, haughty; brusque ...1883 Eng. dial.
• RAMSH brusque, testy ...1871 Sc.
• REPITERRY peremptory, brusque, high-handed ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS - nouns
• BUFFLE-GREENS Brussels sprouts ...19C Eng. dial.
• FEATHER-LEGS Brussels sprouts ...19C Eng. dial.
• MUFFLE-GREENS Brussels sprouts ...B1900 Eng. dial.
BRUTAL, BRUTE, BRUTISH - adjectives
• BEASTISH † beastly, brutish ...1398
• BELLUINE † pertaining to or characteristic of beasts; beast-like, brutal, savage ...1618
• BESTIAL brutish, savage, cruel, rude, barbarous, uncivilized ...c1400
• IMMANE * inhumanly cruel or savage; brutal, wild ...1599
• RUFFIANOUS † like a ruffian; bold in crimes; violent, brutal ...1555
brutal, brute, brutish - nouns
• BEASTISHNESS † brutishness ...1530
• BRUTEDOM brutish nature ...1890
• FERITY the quality of being wild or savage; brutishness; wildness; fierceness; ferocity; barbarous or savage cruelty; of plants: wildness, uncultivated condition ...c1534
brutal, brute, brutish - person
• ANIMAL - a vulgar, brutal, aggressive, or violent person - a term of contempt ...1892 Amer. sl.
• BAGGAGE SMASHER - † a coarse, rough, brutal person ...1851 Amer. sl.
• BARBARIAN - a rude, wild, uncivilized person; a brutal monster ...1604
• BEAR - a brutal, coarse, or morose person ...1751
• BEAST - a brutal, savage man - a man acting in any manner unworthy of a reasonable creature ...c1210
• BLADDER-HEAD - a coarse, brutal bully...Bk1886 Eng dial.
• CABRON - a guy, especially a brutish or dim-witted one ...1974 Mexican-American use
• CLUB-FIST - † a rough, brutal fellow - a thug ...1575
• DOG - a treacherous or brutal person ...1966 US sl., esp. Black usage
• HARD COLT - a tough young man; a brutal, tyrannical person ...1834 US sl.
• HARD GUY - a serious, violent criminal; a tough or brutal man ...1916 US sl.
• HARD HORSE - a brutal, tyrannical person; a pugnacious or unyielding fellow ...1818 US sl.
• MOMSER - an unpleasant or despicable person, usually male; a disliked person; a brute; a detestable man ...1955 US sl.
• SAVAGE - a savage, cruel, or fierce person; an unfeeling or brutal person; also, one who is destitute of culture, or who is ignorant or neglectful of the rules of good behaviour; a coarse, uncouth person ...1606
BRUTALITY - nouns
• BESTIALITY want of intelligence; irrationality, stupidity, brutality ...c1374
• IMMANITY † inhuman cruelty; savagery, brutality; also, a cruel or savage act ...1539
brutality - person
• BRUTALITARIAN one who practices or advocates the practice of brutality ...1904
brutality - verbs
• PULL A RODNEY KING to initiate police brutality ...1990s US Black sl.
BRUTALIZE - verbs
• ABRUTALIZE * to brutalize ...1795
• BESTIALIZE to brutalize, to debase in character ...1684
• BESTIATE to brutalize ...1628
• EMBRUTE to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1640
• IMBRUTE to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1640
• IMBRUTISH †* to degrade to the level of a brute; to make bestial; to brutalize ...1639