subs. (common).—The favourite; the choice. [From thimble-rigging: e.g., ‘This is the pea I choose.’]
1888. Sporting Life, 11 Dec. Sweeny forced the fighting, and was still the PEA when ‘Time!’ was called.
1891. Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, 20 March. Well, Albert, now what is the PEA? we asked, hurrying towards the paddock. How much do you want on? he queried. Oh, a fiver is quite enough.
TO PICK (or DO) A SWEET PEA, verb. phr. (common).—To urinate; cf. TO GATHER VIOLETS, and TO PLUCK A ROSE.
