[Ads-l] From the 1736 monde d=?UTF-8?Q?=C3=A9mod=C3=A9e_?=of card-sharping

[Joel Berson]

The following are all from the Boston Gazette, 1736 Dec. 27, 2/1, and attributed to the Gentleman's Magazine of 1736 Sept.  EAN.

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I mean the great Increase of Play in private Houses, and more particularly that artful and cheating Game of Quadrille.

quadrille, n.2, A trick-taking card game, interdatesOED3 a1726--1768 (early).
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It is the constant Business of the Puffs who belong to the gaming Societies, ... to advise young people, or those who but lately came to Town to improve themselves in the Beau Monde.

beau monde, n., interdates OED2 1712 (earliest)--1756.
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The young and unwary ... greedily swallow this Advice, and deliver themselves up to the Conduct of these Harpies ...

harpy, n., sense 2, A rapacious, plundering, orgrasping person, interdates OED2 1643--1775.
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And when by false Cards, Slipping, Signs, and Crimp, they are stript of their last Guinea ...

slipping, n.1, sense 2, antedates OED2 --1864 for “a trickof card-sharpers”.  Also for slip, v.1.,18.b, “To palm (a card)”, antedates OED2 --1760.
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Joel



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