or old ’un, subs. phr. (common).—1. The devil: see SKIPPER.—GROSE (1785).
2. (common).—A father.
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, xx. ‘It’s the OLD ’UN.’ ‘OLD ONE,’ said Mr. Pickwick. ‘What OLD ONE?’ ‘My father, sir,’ replied Mr. Weller.
3. (racing).—A horse more than three years old.
4. (theatrical).—The pantaloon; the FOOL’S FATHER (q.v.).
