Green’s Dictionary of Slang

C.H. & D. phr.

[abbr. cold, hungry and dry + play on the initials of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad]

(US tramp) declaration of one’s need for food and shelter.

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[US]Irwin Amer. Tramp and Und. Sl. 49: C., H. and D. – Cold, hungry and dry. The tramp ‘calling in’ at a jungle fire will declare he is ‘C., H. and D.’ to indicate he wants food and drink, with an opportunity to warm himself.