U.S. slang. A swindling game (? at cards). Hence attrib. and comb., as bunko-man, -steerer, and Bunko v.
1872. Chicago Even. Mail, 11 Nov., 4/1. Henry Lawrence, the bunko man, is having a tough time of it.
1873. Chicago Daily Tribune, 8 Feb., 7/2. Almost ‘Bunkoed.’ A Gentleman from Maplewood Narrowly Escapes the Clutches of Two Bunko ‘Steerers.’
1883. Times (Philada.), 16 Aug., No. 2892/2. Tom’s method of bunko was the well-known lottery game. Ibid. There is not a smoother-tongued fellow in the great army of bunko-steerers.
1883. Standard, 1 Dec., 2/4. Gangs of American card sharps, ‘bunko men,’ and swindlers of different kinds, pick up a very good living by crossing the Atlantic.
1883. Times (Philada.), 16 Aug., No. 2892/2. A Reading banker bunkoed.
