Alls

The five Alls. A public-house sign. It has five human figures, with a motto to each:—

(1) A king in his regalia .. motto J govern all.

(2) A bishop, in his pontificals ” I pray for all.

(3) A lawyer, in his gown .. ” I plead for all.

(4) A soldier in regimentals ” I fight for all.

(5) A labourer, with his tools ” I pay for all.

Several of these signs still exist.

Alls. Tap-droppings. The refuse of all sorts of spirits drained from the glasses, or spilt in drawing. The mixture is sold in gin-houses at a cheap rate.

· ·

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.