subs. phr. (old).—1. Applied, circa 1702–30, to a counterfeit shilling and other base silver coinage: see RHINO.
1706. LUTTRELL, in J. Ashton’s Social Life in the Reign of Queen Anne, II., 225. The art of making BLACK DOGS, which are shillings, or other pieces of money, made only of Pewter, double wash’d.
1724. SWIFT, Drapier’s Letters, Wks., 1755, V., ii., 44. Butcher’s half-pence, BLACK-DOGS, and others the like.
2. (old).—Delirium tremens; THE HORRORS (q.v.); JIM JAMS (q.v.). BLACK DOG also = depression of spirits, and melancholy: when a child is sulky, it is said the black dog is on its back: among the ancients a black dog and pups were considered an evil omen.
1861. T. HUGHES, Tom Brown at Oxford, xxxiii. ‘Yes, sir,’ said the butler, nodding, ‘D.T., sir. After one of his rages the BLACK DOG comes, and it’s hawful work; so I hope you’ll go, sir.’
TO BLUSH LIKE A BLACK DOG, verb phr. (old).—To blush not at all; to be shameless.
1634. WITHALS, Dictionary, p. 557 [ed. 1634]. Faciem perfricuit. He BLUSHETH LIKE A BLACK DOGGE, hee hath a brazen face.
