subs. (theatrical).—1. Money. [Probably from Shylock and The Merchant of Venice.] For synonyms, see ACTUAL and GILT.
1853. WHYTE-MELVILLE, Digby Grand, ch. vi. The Jews have always appeared to me a calumniated race. From spendthrift King John downwards, the Christian has ever pocketed the DUCATS, and abused the donor.
2. (thieves’).—Specifically a railway ticket; also pawnbroker’s duplicate; raffle-card, or BRIEF (q.v.). Also DUCKET.
1879. J. W. HORSLEY, ‘Autobiography of a Thief,’ in Macmillan’s Magazine, XL., 501. So I took a DUCAT (ticket) for Sutton in Surrey.
