down the banks

Definitions

1. A severe criticism, scolding, reprimand, or punishment.
   Ireland, dated, slang, uncountable
2. In prison.
   New-York, obsolete, slang

Examples

“Independent woters ain't the chalk—and the K. Ns. has done it!— They've spiled the trade⟳. Sam's done it—Amerikins has done it! Take⟳ 'em up for interfeerin' with other people's bisness. Give⟳ 'em down the banks; send⟳ em up ninety days; give⟳ em that,"—and he struck straight out at an imaginary head, with a force⟳ that sent him with a lurch across the sidewalk, up against the side of the buildings.”

“In a time in Ireland when politicians and public representatives and others are getting down the banks (if you’ll pardon the pun), a special word of gratitude goes to TD John Browne and Enniscorthy Town Councillor Keith Doyle for their support⟳.”

“Mr. Heberton Fitzjames was (and, if he has not gone 'down the banks,' is) a gentleman such as we frequently see⟳ at the watering-places; a leader of the select⟳ parties there congregated. […] I became acquainted with Fitzjames in my way of making new friends. I had professional engagements with him, and from the name⟳ of 'the plaintiff,' I concluded it grew out of a sporting debt. Ah, Heberton, in that you were nearly gone 'down the banks!'”

“A independent woter ain't the cheese any longer. […] The Stars is out in all kinds o' weather, and if they shines on a feller when he's got half a dozen glasses on board⟳, the Watch-us', Squire Cole, and ten days down the banks, is the word!”

CEFR level