take the pledge take an oath not to consume alcoholic beverages.
sheriff's man a revenue and debt collector.
favourites and outsiders likely and less-likely winners in a horse race.
handy with the mitts (slang) a good figher.
corn-factor's an agent for the sale of corn.
short twelve noon mass.
sit (slang) situation.
screw (British slang) salary.
pier-glass a tall mirror set in the pier, or section, between windows.
Reynold's Newspaper a London newspaper that reported on scandalous events.
a certain fame a bad reputation.
combing-jacket a bathrobe.
return-room a room, usually small, added to the wall of a house.
