subs. phr. (old naval).—A rope’s-end; TO HAVE SALT-EEL FOR SUPPER = to be thrashed (B. E., GROSE).
1695. CONGREVE, Love for Love, iii. 7. Ben. … But an he comes near me, may-hap I may have giv’n A SALT EEL FOR’S SUPPER for all that.
1752. SMOLLETT, Peregrine Pickle, xl. If so be as how you have a mind to give him a SALT-EEL FOR SUPPER.
