arch cove
obsolete The leader of a male band of thieves or gypsies. The arch cove kept the audience dazzled and distracted while his gang went through and pickpocketed the crowd. While one should be wary of the traveling group, the arch cove who orchestrates them is especially dangerous. See him there? He's the group's arch cove and is not to be trusted under any circumstances.
arch dell
obsolete The leader of a female band of thieves or gypsies, who acts as an accomplice to her male counterpart, an "arch cove" or "arch rogue." The women of the traveling group remain insular and secretive, led by the arch dell in their pursuits. The beguiling women put on a fantastic show of exotic dance, while their arch dell secured "donations" from the audience. All of the women in the group are responding to subtle commands from that woman there, so she must be the arch dell.
arch doxy
obsolete The leader of a female band of thieves or gypsies, who acts as an accomplice to her male counterpart, an "arch cove" or "arch rogue." The beguiling women put on a fantastic show of exotic dance, while their arch doxy secured "donations" from the audience. The women of the traveling group remain insular and secretive, led by the arch doxy in their pursuits. All of the women in the group are responding to subtle commands from that woman there, so she must be the arch doxy.
arch over
To bend over or form an archway over something. This phrase can be applied to people and things. A noun or pronoun can be used between "arch" and "over." Arching yourself over like this helps to stretch the back muscles. We all held flowers and arched them over the graduates during the procession. The flowers arched over the happy couple beautifully as they stood before the minister.
arch rogue
obsolete The leader of a male band of thieves or gypsies. While one should be wary of the traveling group, the arch rogue who orchestrates them is especially dangerous. The arch rogue kept the audience dazzled and distracted while his gang went through and pickpocketed the crowd. See him there? He's the group's arch rogue and is not to be trusted under any circumstances.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
arch (oneself) over
to bend or curve over. (Oneself includes itself.) The tree arched over in the wind. Arch yourself over gracefully and then straighten up. The tree arched itself over in the windstorm.
arch over someone or something
to bend or curve over someone or something; to stand or remain bent or curved over someone or something. The trees arched gracefully over the walkway. A lovely bower of roses arched over the bride.
arch something over someone or something
to place something above someone or something to form an arch or archway. The cadets arched their swords over the bridal couple. The willow arched its long drooping branches over the tiny cabin.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.