subs. (common).—A chimney-sweep. [In allusion to the colour of ‘the cloth.’] Clergymen in their turn = ‘chimney sweeps.’

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  ENGLISH SYNONYMS.  Black draught; knuller; flue-faker; querier; chummy.

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  FRENCH SYNONYMS.  Un artiste; Jean de la suie.

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  ST. NICHOLAS’ CLERK or CLERGYMAN (old).—A highwayman.

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  1589.  R. HARVEY, Plaine Percevall, i. A quarrell, by the high way side, between a brace of SAINT NICHOLAS CLARGIE MEN.  [M.]

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  1597.  SHAKESPEARE, 1 Henry IV., ii. 1. Gads. Sirrah, if they meet not with ST. NICHOLAS’ CLERKS, I’ll give thee this neck.

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