Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a cheap cigar; note also ad hoc vars. in cits. below.

1895		Brooklyn Eagle 11 Apr. 6: The resident wore spit curls and a red shirt and smoked a flor de cloaca cigar.
1901		F. Swainson Acton’s Feud Ch. xxix: ‘Your Flora Fina de Cabbagios keep the fish from biting.’ ‘Have one,’ said Burnt Lamb, hospitably offering Todd a cigar.
1904		Sydney Sportsman (Surry Hills, NSW) 6 Apr. 3/3: The Israelite maiden in the cigar shop [...] was trying to load him up with a box of 'Flor de Cabageo Rothchild, Exquisitos Pour la Noblesse' .
1908		‘O. Henry’ ‘Hostages to Momus’ in Gentle Grafter (1915) 203: We [...] lighted up two of the landlord’s flor de upas perfectos.
1910		L. Tracy Cynthia’s Chauffeur 103: What is it? Flor de Cabbagio? Here, take one of mine!
1917		‘Sapper’ No Man’s Land 159: ‘Cigars of great potency – real genuine Flor de Boche.’ [...] The Doctor was examining his cigar doubtfully.
1922		R. Grimshaw Why Manufacturers Lose Money 21: The brakeman no longer smokes ‘two-fors’ or ‘Flor del Cabbagio’.
1926		W.L. George Triumph of Gallio 232: ‘They’re only flor de cabbagio. What do you recommend?’ I asked, delivering the delicate compliment of considering her a judge of cigars.
1967		V. Holland Explosion of Limericks 86: Probably a ‘Flor de Cabbagio’ at twopence a time.