Teaser

[JBW123]

In local newspapers from about 1905 to 1910 I have come across the word 'teaser' which, by the context, seems to be a word for waterpistols (which local youths were using in an anti-social manner). But I can't find this meaning in any dictionary, or the word in this sense being used elsewhere. Any help?

[mallyh]

can you write the sentence it was in please x

[Buenchico]

Are you sure that water was involved?

From the OED:
http://upl.co/uploads/Teaser1536001332.jpg

[AuntLydia]

feather teasers which often made a sound like a duck. When you blew in them a curled up paper tube uncurled. They looked rather rude lol

[JBW123]

'The teaser nuisance was not quite so bad as last year, thankfully because to be saturated is more than unpleasant.’ One of many examples. Other sentences make clear it is water from muddy puddles at country fairs that is used to refill the weapons.

[JBW123]

'Perhaps the most obnoxious article sold in the fair was that stupid and aggravating toy called the lady's teaser. It is a zinc tube filled with a liquid, which is emitted into the face of the passer-by by a little pressure with the hand. A more offensive joke could not be conceived.' I looked back to the previous century, and found this in a Wrexham newspaper from 1878.

[johnk]

Could it be a make of water pistol?

[Buenchico]

It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I've just Googled 'lady's teaser', as I feared that it might be a euphemism for something naughty! However it neither helped with my research nor filled my screen with porn ;-)

Try an email to the Museum of Childhood in London (which is part of the V&A):
[email protected]

and/or the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh:
[email protected] (including 'f.a.o. Museum of Childhood' in the title).

Maybe somebody there will know something about teasers?