subs. (Winchester College).—(pro. Hāves.) Half-Wellington boots, which were strictly non licet (obs.).—Notions.
TO GO (or CRY) HALVES, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To take (or claim) a half share or chance. In America, AT THE HALVES.
1831. NEAL, The Down-Easters, ch. iv., p. 45. ‘Lives by … preachin’ AT THE HALVES … a sabba-days.’ ‘Preaching AT THE HALVES—how’s that?’… ‘Why don’t you know? in partnership for what’s taken up arter the sarmon’s over.’
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, III., 122. He’ll then again ask if anybody will GO HIM HALVES.
