subs. (American).—Generally applied to convivial quarters; also to a bachelor’s snuggery—a DEN (q.v.) or DIGGINGS (q.v.). [Properly a ship’s cookhouse or galley; and in the United States, a car on a freight train for workmen, or for a special purpose.]
THE WHOLE CABOOSE, phr. (nonce expression).—Obviously a variation of CABOODLE (q.v.).
1870. London Figaro, 19 Oct. ‘After the Fire.’ In this room, sir, said my gallant conductor, lived a bricklayer with his wife and two kids. He made that hole in the wall, and got ’em safe through—THE WHOLE CABOOSE on ’em; and a jolly good job he did.
