subs. (thieves’).—1. A house. For synonyms, see DIGGINGS.
1879. J. W. HORSLEY, ‘Autobiography of a Thief,’ in Macmillan’s Magazine, XL., 501. I piped a slavey (servant) come out of a CHAT (house).
2. (common).—The female pudendum. [From French chat, a cat, and by implication the ‘pussy.’]
3. (common).—The truth; the real state of a case; the proper words to use; the ‘correct card.’
1819. T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, p. 6.
| And, setting in case there should come such a rumpus, | |
| As some mode of settling the CHAT we must compass, | |
| With which the tag-rag will have nothing to do— | |
| What think you, great Swells, of a Royal Set-to? |
1862. A. TROLLOPE, Orley Farm, ch. vi. Has the gentleman any right to be in this room at all, or has he not? Is he commercial, or is he—miscellaneous? That’s the CHAT as I take it.
4. (low).—Gabble; chatter; impudence; e.g., None of your CHAT, or I’ll give you a shove in the eye.
Verb.—To hang.—See CHATES, sense 1. [This reading, however, is problematical.]
1513. DOUGLAS, Æneis, viii., Prol. 126. Quod I, Churle, ga CHAT the and chyd with ane vther.
