(The), subs. phr. (tramps’ and thieves’).—1. London; and (2) The Old Bailey (also THE OLD START).—GROSE.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor. I got fullied. I was tried at THE START.
1891. F. W. CAREW, No. 747. being the Autobiography of a Gipsy, 413. When I come out ’er steel I padded the hoof to START. Ibid., 434. It ain’t no manner o’ use goin’ to the hexpense of bringin’ a fust-class cracksman all the way from START.
3. (old).—See quot.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. START, (Drink) Brewers emptying several Barrels into a great Tub, and thence conveying it through a Leather-pipe down the Cellar into the Butts.
4. (colloquial).—A happening: e.g., A RUM START = an odd occurrence.
PHRASES. TO START IN (or UP) = to begin; TO START A VESSEL FROM THE STUMP = to outfit completely; TO START ON = to beat, bully, quiz, or take in hand.
