Definitions by Bob Prochko

Bat

A prostitute who walks the streets only at night.

Be carefule of the bats on the Bowery.

Bat by Bob Prochko October 3, 2005

Break

A Judge or Magistrate.

Iffin' yer mouthpiece is Tammany ye'll be gettin a compliant Break t' yer trial.

or,

Don't sass back t'th' Break.

Break by Bob Prochko October 3, 2005

Beans

Five dollar gold pieces. (Five dollar pieces were about the size of small butterbeans or Lima beans.)

'E's got a pocket full o' beans.

Beans by Bob Prochko October 2, 2005

Ace of Spades

A widow. esp. an attractive young widow. Refers to the practice of ladies in mourning wearing black.

Common slang of the lower class New Yorkers in the 1860's.

Catch a gander at the Ace of spades across d' Cain and Abel, bucko.

Ace of Spades by Bob Prochko September 28, 2005

Ankle

The mother of a child born out of wedlock. An unfortunate creature. Referrs to her low station. more modern definitions refer to the undisputable fact that an ankle is two feet lower than... An interesting survivor of the last 200 years. First reference to its use in this context believed to have been about 1795.

Ya, she de ankle dat de moll.

Ankle by Bob Prochko September 28, 2005

baptized

Diluted with water or some other worthless, inert substance. Primarily applies to liquor or other drugs.

I see that this Whisky has been baptized, and that well!

baptized by Bob Prochko September 28, 2005

baptize

To water or dilute, as in liquor.

Be sure to baptize that gin before you put the bottle on the shelf!

baptize by Bob Prochko September 28, 2005