Derwent n.
(Aus.) a type of dice-pot that permits a skilled thrower to manipulate the dice as desired.
![[Aus]](/static/img/flags/aus.png "Australia") | Mirror (Sydney) 31 Aug. 8/2: A ‘Derwent’ has a little break or ridge around the lip of the pot which permits the expert thrower to cast the dice in such a way that he wins every time he wants to. It is said that the term arose in Tasmania, where the break was supposed to represent the river Derwent. |
In compounds
(Aus.) an inhabitant of Tasmania.
| Chron. (Adelaide) 24 Mar. 43/3: [Nicknames for] Tasmanians, Van Diemenese, Derveners, Derwent Ducks, Mountain Devils, Tassies and Tassylanders. |
(Aus. Und.) a dice pot that has been prepared to permit illicit manipulation of the dice.
| Mirror (Sydney) 31 Aug. 8/2: Every confidence man ‘travels’ with all sorts of traps for the mugs. There is the ‘derwent’ pot, the ‘slithery,’ the top-sider, and the ‘rail-way.’ These are specially prepared pots, or dice boxes, which a skilful manipulator uses at his discretion. |