The old beak

Posted by Julia Dodd on June 04, 2006

I am wondering where the phrase 'the old beak' or 'up before the beak' comes from. I am sure it relates to being sent before the magistrate (or judge) for some misdemeanour but cannot locate anything on it's meaning, history or the source.

• The old beak David FG 04/June/06
  • The old beak Smokey Stover 04/June/06
  • The old beak James Briggs 04/June/06