subs. (colloquial).—Hardship; difficulty; an unfortunate result or occurrence. [Formerly LINE = lot: Cf., Bible and Prayer book version of Psalm xvi., 5, 6.]
1855. Notes and Queries, 1 S. xii., p. 287. HARD LINES. Whence is this expression, so common, particularly among seafaring men, derived?
1881. W. BLACK, The Beautiful Wretch, ch. xxiii. I think it’s deuced HARD LINES to lock up a fellow for merely humbugging an old parson up in Kentish Town.
1888. Sporting Life, 15 Dec. For the Kempton folks it was rather HARD LINES.
1888. J. MCCARTHY, and R. CAMPBELL PRAED, The Ladies’ Gallery, ch. xxvi. It’s awful HARD LINES, Lady Star Strange, that I am only thought good enough for you Londoners in the dead season.
1892. MILLIKEN, ’Arry Ballads, p. 3. I call it ’ARD LINES, dear old man.
