Abraham's balsam

English

Etymology

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

Noun

Abraham's balsam (uncountable)

1. (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 […], volume 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.