subs. (thieves’).—A dying speech, especially the confession of a murderer. Also the same as printed for sale in the streets by a ‘FLYING STATIONER.’ [From the verbal sense (q.v.).]
1887. A. BARRÈRE, Argot and Slang, p. 272. The criminal … would perhaps utter for the edification of the crowd his ‘tops, or CROAKS,’ that is, his last dying speech.
1887. W. E. HENLEY, Villon’s Straight Tip to all Cross Coves. Go crying CROAKS, or flash the drag.
Verb.—To die. For synonyms, see ALOFT.
