To Box the Compass (Grose 1811 Dictionary)

To Box the Compass

To say or repeat the mariner’s compass, not only backwards or forwards, but also to be able to answer any and all questions respecting its divisions. SEA TERM.

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

Bowyer * to Box the Jesuit, and get Cock Roaches

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.