dead 'un

plural dead 'uns

1. archaicslanghobbiesA horse that will not run or will not try in a race, and against which money may be safely wagered.

   Jerry was most carefully watched and guarded, nobbling seemed impossible, yet still the bookies kept laying against the horse as if he were a "dead 'un."

   1898, Thormanby, Kings of the Turf, page 33

   1 more example

   If this is the way lotteries are to be conducted, the unfortunate backers are worse off than when they confide themselves to the tender mercies of the "howling dervishes" of the "ring at home," who, if they do occasionally serve up a "dead 'un" rather "warm", are yet amenable to racing law, which one can depend on being rightly administered by competent people.

   1872, The Oriental Sporting Magazine, volume 4, page 141

   Synonyms: stiff 'un