subs. (common).—Generic for a GAG (q.v.) of any description: e.g., interpolated lines (usually comic) in a play, a bit of BUSINESS (q.v.), a sidesman’s PATTER (q.v.), a bon-mot, joke, and so forth. TO CRACK A WHEEZE = to originate (or adapt) a smart saying at a ‘psychological’ moment.
1897. MARSHALL, Pomes, 24. What laughter fills the Court, At the counsel’s ribald attitude and tone! But each WHEEZE from legal throats, When to Parkinson it floats Is a groan.
1887. Referee, 1 May. The man who propounds conundrums to puzzle ‘Brudder Bones,’ and puts on the most solemn air of attention while the comic men spin out their ‘WHEEZES.’
Verb (thieves’).—To say, inform, PEACH (q.v.).
