subs. (printers’ colloquial).—A body of compositors working together; one acts as clicker, takes charge and makes out the general bill which is shared and shared alike. [An abbreviation of “companionship.”]
Verb. (common).—1. To dismiss; TO SACK (q.v.) Also (2) to expel; to rusticate (American university); (3) to turn out of bed, mattress on top (Sherborne School); and (4) to turn back in a lesson (Shrewsbury School).
1857. A. TROLLOPE, The Three Clerks, xviii. I’m to stay at the office till seven o’clock every day for a month; and old Foolscap says he’ll SHIP me the next time I’m absent half-an-hour without leave.
SHIP BLOWN UP AT POINT NONPLUS, phr. (old).—‘Exemplifies the quietus of a man when plucked penniless; or, genteelly expelled. Oxf. Univ. cant’ (GROSE).
See ANNO DOMINI; HOME; PUMP.
