subs. (old).—1. See quot.
1753. The Adventurer, No. 98. I am, in short, one of those heroic Adventurers, who have thought proper to distinguish themselves by the titles of Buck, Blood, and NERVE.
2. (common).—Impudence; cheek.
1899. Critic, 21 Jan., 12, 2. How Messrs Gordon and Levett can have the NERVE to refer to the evidence given at the Royal Commission on Money-lending in one sentence and in the other boldly proclaim that they charge from 60 to 108 per cent. per annum interest to borrowers, passes my comprehension.
