subs. (common).—A corpse. [The human carcass is compared to butchers’ wares.] For synonyms, see DEAD MEAT. Among medical students the term COLD MEAT or PICKLES (q.v.) = specimens direct from the subject.
1819. T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, p. 25.
| In the Twelfth and Last Round Sandy fetch’d him a downer, | |
| That left him all’s one as COLD MEAT for the Crowner. |
TO MAKE COLD MEAT OF ONE, verbal phr. (common).—To kill. For synonyms, see COOK ONE’S GOOSE.
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, p. 148 (ed. 1857). ‘You mustn’t handle your piece in that ’ere way, when you come to have the charge in it, sir,’ said the tall gamekeeper, gruffly, ‘or I’m damned if you won’t MAKE COLD MEAT OF some of us!’
