Abraham's balsam

English

Etymology

Pun on Abraham's balm (Vitex agnus-castus) or Abraham's bosom

Noun

Abraham 's balsam (uncountable)

(archaic, British slang) death by hanging.

Synonyms

hanging, hempen elixir, a quick drop and a sudden stop

References

Albert Barrère and Charles G[odfrey] Leland, compilers and editors (1889–1890) “Abraham's balsam”, in A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant […], volumes I (A–K), Edinburgh: […] The Ballantyne Press, →OCLC, page 7.
John S[tephen] Farmer, compiler (1890) “Abraham's balsam”, in Slang and Its Analogues Past and Present. […], volume I, [London: […] Thomas Poulter and Sons] […], →OCLC, page 10.

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