cappabar

== English == === Alternative forms === capperbar, capabarre, capperbar, cap a bar, cape bar === Etymology === Uncertain. First attested 1818 as cap a bar. Dated or obsolete by the early 20th century. === Noun === cappabar (plural not attested) (nautical, obsolete) a misappropriation of government property; embezzlement or fraud carried out in the management of a ship. Burton, Alfred (1818), The Adventures of Johnny Newcome in the Navy, London: Methuen and Co., page 209 If e'er the Fortune of the war Gave him a Prize, he'd cap a bar Like blazes--but stand clear! that elf Who dared to steal besides himself. Patrick O'Brian, *The Mauritius Command.* disposing of His Majesty's property was an immemorial practice among His Majesty's servants [...] and in the Navy it went by the name of cappabar. — ==== References ====