B. E.
"A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew" by B.E. Gent. is a historical lexicon written in the late 17th or early 18th century. This reference work focuses on the slang, jargon, and specialized vocabulary used by distinct social groups such as gypsies, beggars, thieves, and other marginalized or criminal "tribes." Designed not only as an informative resource but also as an entertaining and sometimes satirical read, the dictionary claims to be especially helpful for foreigners and the general public to safeguard themselves—offering insight into the language and practices of those who might deceive them. The opening of the dictionary provides both a preface and the start of the alphabetical entries. The preface briefly discusses the antiquity and wide cultural presence of beggars and gypsies across Europe, referencing their historical roots, universality, and evolving social roles. It also alludes to the connection between these groups and proverbial or witty speech, setting a context for the colorful language to follow. The main body immediately launches into concise definitions and explanations of canting terms, giving readers a vivid and comprehensive glimpse into the slang world of street life, criminality, and lower-class society. The entries include both purely criminal argot and contemporary colloquial phrases, creating an engaging and unusual window into everyday and illicit English speech of the time. (This is an automatically generated sum…
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