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Apothecary (Grose 1811 Dictionary)

Apothecary

To talk like an apothecary; to use hard or gallipot words: from the assumed gravity and affectation of knowledge generally put on by the gentlemen of this profession, who are commonly as superficial in their learning as they are pedantic in their language.

Definition taken from The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose.

Apostles-1 * Apothecary’s Bill

Nearby

Nathan Bailey's 1736 Dictionary of canting and thieving slang

John S. Farmer's collection of canting songs and slang rhymes

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About

Francis Grose was independently wealthy, having inherited money from his father, a jeweller. Finding himself overspending, he published a number of books; his Provincial Glossary seems to have been the starting-point for the Vulgar Tongue reproduced here.

Anchor
Anglers
Angling For Farthings
Ankle
Anodyne Necklace
Anthony
To knock Anthony
Ape Leader
Apostles
Apostles-1
Apothecary
Apothecary’s Bill
Apothecary’s
Apple Cart
Apple Dumplin Shop
Apple-pye Bed
April Fool
Apron String Hold
Aqua Pumpaginis
Arbor Vitæ
Arch Duke