Dictionary of Americanisms, by John Russell Bartlett. (NY:
Bartlett and Welford, 1848) DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN WORDS AND
PHRASES. ____________ ABISSELFA. A, by itself, A. It will be
recollected by many, that in the olden time, the first letter of
the alphabet was denominated "abisselfa" when it formed a
syllable by itself, as in the word able. The scholar, in
spelling the word, was taught to say, "a, by itself, a,
(rapidly, abisselfa,) b, l, e, able." We derive this word and
the use of it from England, where it is used in Suffolk County.
--Moor's Glossary. ABOVE-BOARD. In open sight; without artifice,
or trick. "A figurative expression," says Johnson, "borrowed
from gamesters, who, when they put their hands under the table,
are exchanging their cards." It is the part of an honest man to
deal above-board, and without tricks.--L'Estrange. ABOVE ONE'S
BEND. Out of one's power; beyond reach. A common expression in
the Western States. I shall not attempt to describe the
curiosities at Peale's Museum; it is above my