subs. phr. (thieves’).—1. An experienced thief. Also OLD HAND.
1877. W. H. THOMSON, Five Years’ Penal Servitude, i. 32. In nine cases out of ten an ‘OLD BIRD’ would betray himself.
1899. Star, 3 Jan. Only the cook was there; but a right good fellow was he, though an OLD HAND of very questionable antecedents.
2. (common).—An expert. Also OLD HAND and OLD DOG. Hence OLD DOG AT IT = expert.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. OLD HAND, knowing, or expert in any business.
1889. Daily News, 9 Nov., 5, 2. Was the interest in Jane wearing off, or was Bysshe TOO OLD A BIRD to praise one lady in the hearing of another?
1892. Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday, 19 March, 90, 3. I’m TOO OLD A BIRD to be had on toast like that.
