or snid, subs. (Scots’).—1. Sixpence: see RHINO.
2. (common).—Anything mean or spurious: as a contemptible wretch, counterfeit coin, &c. As adj. (also SNIDDY or SNIDEY) = bad, wretched, contemptible, or (army) dirty. SNIDE-PITCHING (see quot. 1868).
1868. Temple Bar, xxxiv. 538. SNYDE-PITCHING is passing bad money, and it is a capital racket.
1873. A. MURSELL, Bright Beads on a Dark Thread, 50. ‘Sometimes they will get SNIDE-WITNESSES to help him at the trial.’ ‘What on earth is a SNIDE-WITNESS?’ ’A friend in need, sir. A man or woman who will swear anything, according to instructions.’
1887. W. E. HENLEY, Villon’s Straight Tip to all Cross Coves. Or PITCH A SNIDE? or knap a yack?
1887. F. FRANCIS, Jun., Saddle and Moccasin, i. 3. These here men don’t want none of your — — SNIDE outfits, but jest good bronchos, and a waggon, and strong harness.
1891. F. W. CAREW, No. 747. being the Autobiography of a Gipsy, 416. When I put the hacid on it, hevery bloomin’ hounce was SNIDE. Ibid., 418. Old man Nat said s’how when Griffin seen the plate turn hup agen like a SNIDE midgic, is face were a picter.
1897. MARSHALL, Pomes, 50. The SNIDE ’uns in the race of life don’t always canter in. Ibid., 89. His pockets she tried, Which is wifely, though SNIDE.
1900. FLYNT, Tramping with Tramps, 277. “Utica,” he said, “if you intend gettin’ your breakfast there in the mornin’, is a sort of a SNIDE place, this time of the year.”
