Uncle

subs. (common).—1.  A pawnbroker (GROSE): Fr. tante. [Cf. UNCLE = a mythical rich relative.]

  [1607.  DEKKER, Northward Ho, i. 2. Phil. Fourscore pounds draws deep…. I’ll step to mine UNCLE not far off … and he shall bail me.]

  1828.  HOOD, Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg.

  1843.  DICKENS, Martin Chuzzlewit, i. We find him making constant reference to an UNCLE, in respect of whom he would seem to have entertained great expectations, as he was in the habit of seeking to propitiate his favour by presents of plate, jewels, books, watches, and other valuable articles.

  1854–5.  THACKERAY, The Newcomes, xii. ‘Dine in your frock, my good friend, and welcome, if your dresscoat is in the country.’ ‘It is at present at an UNCLE’S,’ Mr. Bayham said, with great gravity.

  1891.  LEHMANN, Harry Fludyer at Cambridge, iii. For instance, when your aunt Sophia was with us last week it kept on yelling something about ‘the pop-shop round the corner, and paying your UNCLE a visit.’

  1897.  MARSHALL, Pomes, 37. It’s cold enough to freeze the golden balls off UNCLE’S door.

  1901.  Daily Telegraph, 28 Oct., 11. 5. A pawnbroker stated that his name was ‘UNCLE.’ Mr. Fordham: Baptismal or paternal? Witness: It is my surname. Mr. Fordham: And it could not have been more appropriate to your calling.

  2.  (American).—A familiar address: spec. of an old worthy negro: cf. AUNT. [PEGGE: the Cornish apply aunt and UNCLE to all elderly persons (p. 301).]

  1852.  H. B. STOWE, UNCLE Tom’s Cabin [Title].

  1876.  KATHERINE MCDOWELL (‘Sherwood Bonner’), Dialect Tales, 121. The bleating of goats was heard from the darkey settlement on the side of the cliff as queer old aunties and UNCLES hobbled out to milk them.

  YOUR UNCLE, phr. (common).—Myself: e.g., Your UNCLE’S the man to do it, i.e., ‘I’ll do it for you.’

  PHRASE.  ‘If my aunt had been a man she’d have been my UNCLE’ (RAY), in derision of those who make ridiculous surmises: see MAN.

  See DUTCH UNCLE.