subs. phr. (theatrical).—See quot.
1890. COLEMAN [A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant], s.v. OVERFLOW AND PLUNDER. The unsuspecting auditor has an order for the pit; he goes there, and finds the pit crammed to suffocation by people who have not paid. Upon payment of sixpence he goes to the upper boxes, they are also crowded; sixpence more takes him to the dress circle. Before he can obtain a seat he is bled of another sixpence for his greatcoat, another for his umbrella, and another for a programme. The performances in these places were as disreputable as the management, and, as a rule, would disgrace a show at a country fair.
