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[Grose, Francis].
Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Publisher: Printed for Hooper and Co., London;
Date of Publication: 1796
Stock Code: 12450
Third Edition, Corrected and Enlarged. Small quarto, pp. xvi, [236]. Later polished half calf with gilt titles to maroon label to spine and marbled paper-covered boards. Minor wear to spine tips and corners, and boards lightly scuffed. From the library of Scarborough Philosophical and Archaeological Society, with their plates to front endpapers but no further library marks; scattered light foxing. A very good copy. Classic text by the English antiquary and lexicographer (1731-1791). The work lists terms used colloquially, in cant and slang; the list includes many terms still familiar today as well as others that have faded from popularity, beginning with “Abbess” and ending with “Zucke”. With the preface to the second and third editions to the fore as well as reproductions of title-pages to four earlier dictionaries (presumably aiding this compilation) including the fabulously titled “The Scoundrel’s Dictionary; Or, An Explanation of the Cant Words used by Thieves, House-Breakers, Street Robbers and Pickpockets about Town.” £480.00