A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew in its several tribes of gypsies, beggers, thieves, cheats, &c. : $b With an addition of some proverbs, phrases, figurative speeches, &c.

The work is a lively handbook that gathers the secret vocabulary used by itinerant crews of beggars, gypsies, thieves and other streetwise folk in England and beyond. From archaic cant such as “Abram‑cove” to more recent slang, each entry is given with a concise definition and often a colourful illustration of its usage. Readers who are new to the world of low‑life chatter—whether travelers, scholars or anyone curious about historic street culture—will find it an indispensable reference for protecting their purse and understanding the hidden meanings in everyday chatter.

The introductory essay offers a witty historical sketch, tracing the presence of beggars from the dissolution of the monasteries to their alleged roots as ancient as early Christianity, and maps the nomadic routes of gypsy bands across Europe. Sprinkled throughout are proverbs, rhymes and figurative speeches that reveal the cleverness with which these groups turned language into a tool for survival and amusement. Though scholarly in tone, the text retains a lighthearted charm, making the obscure cant feel both accessible and entertaining.