A new canting dictionary: comprehending all the terms, ancient and modern, used in the several tribes of gypsies, beggars, shoplifters, highwaymen, foot-pads, and all other clans of cheats and villains. Interspersed with proverbs, phrases, figurative speeches, &c. To which is added a complete collection of songs in the canting dialect

Published by printed; and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, London, 1725

About this Item

First edition of the second separately-printed dictionary of slang, 12mo, pp. [156]; later full speckled brown calf, a.e.g.; joints rubbed and tender. Largely based on the earlier A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew, (London, 1699) by "B.E.", this work is greatly expanded and adds a useful historical introduction and a collection of 19 canting songs. "We have taken no small pains to collect all the new words made use of by villains of all denominations: by perusing and retaining many of which, an honest man who is obliged to travel the road, and to frequent inns and places of public resort (whereby he is often forced to mix with different companies), may easily discover, by the cant terms and dialect of the persons, their profession and intentions, and know how to secure himself from danger; which is the principal design of compiling this vocabulary. Wherein we have also interspersed, under the several heads of villains, such descriptions and cautions as may better serve to promote this good end" (Preface). The text of this dictionary was republished anonymously in 1737 in a work called Bacchus and Venus. Alston IX, 282; Burke, Literature of Slang, pp. 73-4; Coleman, A History of Slang and Cant Dictionaries, I, pp. 109-120; Kennedy 11886; not in Vancil. Seller Inventory # 64417

Bibliographic Details

Title: A new canting dictionary: comprehending all ...

Publisher: printed; and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, London

Publication Date: 1725

Edition: 1st Edition