1811 Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue.

[JackLuis]

For your historical Romance.

http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/5402/pg5402.html

1811 was 200 years ago!
"BEAR. One who contracts to deliver a certain quantity of sum of stock in the public funds, on a future day, and at stated price; or, in other words, sells what he has not got, like the huntsman in the fable, who sold the bear's skin before the bear was killed. As the bear sells the stock he is not possessed of, so the bull purchases what he has not money to pay for; but in case of any alteration in the price agreed on, either party pays or receives the difference. Exchange Alley."

In 200 years the stock market has hardly changed!

 

[JackLuis]

BOB STAY. A rope which holds the bowsprit to the stem or cutwater. Figuratively, the frenum of a man's yard.

TO BOX THE JESUIT, AND GET COCK ROACHES. A sea term for masturbation; a crime, it is said, much practised by the reverend fathers of that society.

 

[3113]

After going down some of this list, I have decided that we are far better off in our 21st century world with its X-boxes, video games, the internet and television. I didn't think so before, but after seeing the games played by folk to amuse themselves back in 1811, I've concluded that I'd much rather be alive and well now and watching reality tv.