I have been fascinated by the Lexicographer, Francis Grose who, with others in 1811, published the both acclaimed and shunned work entitled "Lexicon Balatronicum", a meticulously researched dictionary of slang, street-talk and downright bawdy and rude language.
It is an important record of social history but also lists the common names for occupations and professions of the early 19th Century, many of which I have not heard before and others that have simply slipped into oblivion.
This is a small sample taken from the dictionary just to give a taste of the wonderful language that existed in that era long ago.
Adam Tiler- a pickpockets assistant who receives the stolen goods and runs off with them
Ale Draper - Inn or alehouse keeper
Ambassador of Morocco - shoemaker
Amen Curler - Parish Clerk
Amusers - rogues who to carry out a street robbery by throwing snuff into their victims eyes
Ark Ruffians - a criminal practice to pick a fight with boat passenger, then rob and throw overboard
Autem Bawler - Parson
Bandog - Bailiff
Bang Straw - a farm servant, usually a thresher
Barker - dealer in second hand clothes
Barrow Man - a criminal under sentence of transportation to the Penal Colonies
Beau Nasty - a foppish person but slovenly and scruffy
Beggar Maker - Inn Keeper
Bellower - Town Crier
Bingo Boy - Dram drinker
Black Fly- the village parson taking the tithe or tax from the harvest yield
Blue Pigeons - stealers of lead from church roofs
Bone Picker - Footman
Braggadocia - someone who boasts
Bufe Nabber - dog stealer
Bully Ruffians- Highwayman who verbally abuses his victims
Bum Trap - Sheriffs Officer
Burn Crust - Baker
Bus-Nappers Kenchin - a watchman
Caper Merchant - Dancing Master
Captain Queernabs - Shabby fellow
Carrotty Pated - a red haired person
Cinder Garbler - servant maid
Clank Napper - silver tankard thief
Country Harry - Waggoner
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