(theatrical).—See quot.
1889. J. C. COLEMAN [A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant, s.v. PETER COLLINS]. A gentleman never to be found … [on whom] young aspirants … are told to call…. The youth is sent from roof to cellar, and, finally, is generally let down a trap and left to get out as best he can. The password at circuses is the “green-handled rake,” which the youth is requested to ask for. He is generally settled with a pill of horse-dung when they have had enough of him.
