subs. (colloquial).—1. A slum; a ROOKERY: also SINKHOLE. Also (2) a centre of anything disreputable.
1565. J. CALFHILL, An Answer to John Martiall’s Treatise of the Cross, (Parker Society), 176. Made the palace of Constantinople a SINK of sectaries.
1613. PURCHAS, Pilgrimage, 621. The SINKE of Fez where euery one may be a Vintner and a Bawde.
d. 1842. W. E. CHANNING, The Perfect Life, 70. From the very SINKS of intemperance, from shops reeking with vapours of intoxicating drink, had God raised up witnesses against this vice.
3. (common).—A confirmed tippler; and (4) the throat: see SEWER. Hence TO FALL DOWN THE SINK = to take to drink.
5. (The Leys School).—A heavy feed; a STODGE (q.v.); and (6) = a glutton.
PHRASES.—TO SINK THE NOBLEMAN (LOVER, &c.) = to suppress, to keep in the background: cf. SHOP; SINK ME! = a mild imprecation.
1772. BRIDGES, A Burlesque Translation of Homer, 13. But SINK ME if I’ll understand.
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 100. I am the idol of my wife, and I have not SUNK THE LOVER in the husband. Ibid., 283. I … SUNK THE SECRETARY … till I should ascertain what solid profit might accrue from all my bows and scrapes.
1822. SCOTT, The Fortunes of Nigel, xvii. You shall SINK A NOBLEMAN in the Temple Gardens, and rise an Alsatian at Whitefriars.
