GROSE, Francis (1731–91). TWO WORKS ON SLANG, INCLUDING: A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. London: Printed for S. Hooper, 1788. Second edition, corrected and enlarged. Small 4to. Tears in gutters to prelims, lightly browned; very good. [Together with]: Lexicon Balatronicum. A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence. London: Printed for C. Chappel, 1811. 8vo. Lacks folding frontis. (rarely found), else good to very good with usual spotting and browning. Matching one third smooth calf over marbled boards, spines in six compartments with gilt-lettered title and author labels. Joints worn, general shelfwear.
The linguistic bounty of Grose’s works is nearly limitless and gives even the modern Urban Dictionary a run for its money (and political correctness). Among the entries in these volumes, long considered the best of their time, are: Irish Apricots: Potatoes; Black Legs: A gambler or sharper on the turf or in the cock-pit: so called, perhaps, from their appearing generally in boots; Fart Catcher: A valet or footman, from his walking behind his master or mistress; Rum Diver: A dexterous pickpocket; Pontius Pilate: A pawnbroker.”
In Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women, Mr. Jay singles out a particular entry in Grose’s work, “Buckinger’s Boot.” Grose writes: “The monosyllable. Mathew Buckinger was born without hands and legs; notwithstanding which he drew coats of arms very neatly, and could write the Lords Prayer within the compass of a shilling: he was married to a tall handsome woman, and traversed the countryside, shewing himself for money.” Mr. Jay’s commentary continues: “‘Monosyllable’ he elsewhere defines, rather politely and delicately, as ‘a woman’s commodity.’”