A Dictionary of the Sussex Dialect. 15
Avised, e. [Aviser, French.] Aware of. To know for a certainty.
" I'm well avised that John spent all his wages at the Barley-mow."
Aumry, e. [Aumoire, Old French, a cupboard.]
or Awmry, e. A large chest.
"And when they had eaten, King Arthur made great clerks to come before him that they should chronicle the high adventures of the good knights; and all was made great books and put in almeries at Salisbury."
—Sir Thomas Malory's Morte D'Artur.
Axey, e. The ague. A complaint which is very prevalent in many parts of Sussex. There is a different name for it in almost every district. In some places it is believed that it may be cured by the following charm, which, to be efficacious, must be written on a three-cornered piece of paper and worn round the neck till it drops off,— "Ague, ague, I thee defy, Three days shiver, Three days shake, Make me well for Jesus' sake!"
Backstays, or Backsters. Wide flat pieces of board, made like snow shoes, which are strapped on the feet and used by the fishermen in walking over the loose beach or soft mud on the seashore.
and Backwent, m. These words, which are evidently of Saxon construction, can only be explained by giving instances of their use. "He was backturned when I saw him," means "he was standing with his back to me." "I only saw him backwent," means " I only saw him as he was going away from me."
Bait, m. Afternoon refreshment, with which strong beer is given, in the hay and harvest field.
Balderdash.* [Probably derived from Ang. Sax., Baldwyrda, a saucy jester. ] Obscene conversation.
Ballet, m. A ballad.