subs. (thieves’).—1. A lump sum; the total amount possessed: e.g., ‘How’s the bank?’ = ‘Not very strong, about one and a buck.’ As verb (a) = to steal, make sure of: e.g., ‘Bank the rags’ = ‘Take the notes’; (b) = to place in safety; and (c) = to share the booty, ‘to nap the REGULARS’ (q.v.).
2. (thieves’ and obsolete).—Spec. THE BANK; i.e., Milbank prison: part of the site is now (1905) occupied by an Art gallery.
1889. Answers, 25 May, 412. We approached our destination, Millbank—THE BANK in a convict’s parlance.
1900. GRIFFITHS, Fast and Loose, xxxii. ‘The blokes from Dorchester were seen coming out of the BANK—’ ‘What bank?’ interrupted Meggit. ‘Not one of your kind; MILLBANK, I mean.
