subs. (old).—1. See quot. c. 1548. Also (2: modern) = a short, close-fitting jacket: also ROUNDER.
c. 1548. LATIMER, Sermons and Remains (PARKER, Works, 108). [T. L. KINGTON-OLIPHANT, The New English, i. 516. The huge farthingales worn by women are called ROUND-ABOUTS].
1848. DURIVAGE, Stray Subjects, 81. One of the party, in a green ROUNDABOUT.
1893. MILLIKEN, ’Arry Ballads, 24, ‘At the Sea-Side.’ That’s me in plaid dittos and ROUNDER.
3. (thieves’).—A female thief’s all-round pocket.
4. (common).—1. A horizontal wheel or frame, turned by a small engine, and furnished with wooden horses or carriages; a merry-go-round.
1872. BESANT and RICE, Ready-Money Mortiboy, xxiii. He got … a Punch and Judy, swing-boats, a ROUNDABOUT, and a performing monkey.
5. (prison).—A treadmill; the EVERLASTING-STAIRCASE (q.v.).
6. (thieves’).—A housebreaker’s tool: it cuts a round piece, about five inches in diameter, out of a shutter or door; also ROUND ROBIN (GROSE).
