subs. (thieves’).—An outside pocket [cf. GROSE, s.v. SLIP, ‘the SLASH pocket in the skirt of a coat behind’].
Verb. (literary).—To criticise severely, sarcastically, or at random; TO CUT UP (q.v.); also TO SLASH IN. Hence SLASHING, subs. = damning criticism; as adj. = trenchant, harsh; SLASHER = a vigorous critic.
d. 1859. DE QUINCEY, Homer, i. The Alexandrian critics with all their SLASHING insolence … groped about in twilight.
1874. M. and F. COLLINS, Frances, xvii. The SLASHING writers who delight to cut up a book, especially if the author is a friend or a rival.
1888. The Athenæum, No. 3142, 14 Jan., 43, 3. He may be called the inventor of the modern SLASHING article.
