District in London where Jack the Ripper committed his crimes. It was a slum where lived the dregs of London society - the Cockneys, Irish and Jews among warehouses, opium dens, gin shops and brothels.

WHITECHAPEL

Whitechapel portion; two smocks, and what nature gave. Whitechapel breed; fat, ragged, and saucy: see ST. GILES'S BREED. Whitechapel beau; one who dresses with a needle and thread, and undresses with a knife. To play at whist Whitechapel fashion; i.e. aces and kings first.

The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.