subs. (common).—1.  A louse. For synonyms, see CHATES.

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  2.  pl. (theatrical).—Professional singers of all grades.

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  3.  (venery).—A prostitute; generally NAUGHTY DICKY-BIRD. For synonyms, see BARRACK-HACK and TART.

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  c. 1830.  Broadside Ballad, GEORGE BARNWELL.

        When he had put the shutters up
He went to see his DICKEY-BIRD,
And when he came back next morning,
Blowed if he could speak a word.

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