or spell, speelken, subs. phr. (old).—A theatre (GROSE and VAUX).
c. 1800. JOHN JACKSON [quoted by BYRON in notes to Don Juan, xi. 19].
| If you at the SPELLKEN can’t hustle, | |
| You’ll be hobbled in making a Clout. |
1819. J. H. VAUX, Memoirs, s.v. Push … When any particular scene of crowding is alluded to, they say, the push … at the SPELL doors; the push at the stooping-match, &c.
1823. BYRON, Don Juan, xi. 19.
| Who in a row like Tom could lead the van, | |
| Booze in the ken, or at the SPELLKEN hustle? |
