keel-bully
[f. keel n.2 + bully n.1 2.]
One of the crew of a keel; a Tyneside lighterman.
| a 1700 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Keel-bullies, Lightermen that carry Coals to and from the Ships, so called in Derision. 1789 Brand Hist. Newcastle II. 261 note. 1860 [see bully n.1 2]. 1863 in Robson Bards Tyne 73 The keelbullies a', Byeth greet an' sma'. |