Ale-dagger
(An) A dagger used in self-defence in ale-house
brawls.
“He that drinkes with cutlers must not be without his ale-dagger.”
(1589). (See N.E.D.) Pierce Pennilesse says: “All that will
not ... weare ale-house daggers at your backes [should abstain from
taverns].”
See Shakespeare Society, p.55.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Ale-dagger from Fact Monster:
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