subs. (tossing).—See quots. 1823 and 1842: cf. SUDDEN DEATH.
1823. BADCOCK (‘Jon Bee’), Dictionary of the Turf, etc., s.v. NEWMARKET; best two in three as a phrase is erroneous; races are not decided there by the best in three, as prevails elsewhere.
1834. MAGINN, Bob Burke’s Duel with Ensign Brady, v. ‘Which,’ said he, ‘is it to be—two out of three, as at NEWMARKET, or the first toss to decide?’ ‘Sudden death,’ said I, ‘and there will soon be an end of it.’
1840. DICKENS, The Old Curiosity Shop, xxxvi. He imparted to her the mystery of going the odd man or plain NEWMARKET for fruit, ginger-beer, baked potatoes, or even a modest quencher.
