verb phr. (thieves’).—To attract a person’s attention while a confederate picks his pockets, or otherwise robs him. [STALL = an accomplice; and as a verb, to keep watch or spy upon.]
1884. GREENWOOD, Seven Years’ Penal Servitude. I said to my pal ‘CHUCK ME A STALL and I’ll have that.’ What did I mean? Why, keep close to me, and cover what I’m doing.
