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Dictionary definition of “big dog”

big dog

n. a large bill for services rendered. Subjects:
Editorial Note: Pure speculation, but consider big dog ‘big-bug, big shot’ (HDAS [1833], 1843), as well as dog ‘a bond or promissory note’ (HDAS 1833) and ‘a gambling marker’ (HDAS 1967).
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Citations: 1938-39 Hatch @ New York City Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Jargon from Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers International Union of America, Local 37, 389 East 154th St.”: Big dog—to owe a large bill.
Posted 31 May 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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