or counter-skipper, subs. (common).—A draper’s assistant; a shopman. Fr., chevalier du mètre. For synonyms, see KNIGHT OF THE YARD. Also COUNTER-JUMP = to act as a shop-assistant, and COUNTER-JUMPING, verbal subs.
1855. C. KINGSLEY, Westward Ho! ‘Why,’ said he, stifling his anger, ‘it seems free enough to every COUNTER-JUMPER in the town.’
1860. Guide to Eton, p. 236. They are like the young COUNTER-JUMPER, mentioned by Dickens, on the outside of a coach, who lighted a great many cigars, and threw them away when he thought no one was looking.
1863. C. READE, Hard Cash, II., 189. Mamma dear, you open that gigantic wardrobe of yours; and I’ll oil my hair, white-wash my mug (a little moan from Mrs. D.) and do the COUNTERJUMPING business to the life.
1864. G. A. SALA, in Temple Bar, Dec., p. 40. He is as dextrous as a Regent Street COUNTER-JUMPER in the questionable art of ‘shaving the ladies.’
1876. M. E. BRADDON, Joshua Haggard, ch. viii. I don’t want my son and heir to keep company with COUNTER JUMPERS.
