subs. (popular).—1. A policeman. [Possibly from the slang verb to CRUSH = to run. CRUSH! was once a favourite signal of the ‘pea and thimble’ and other race-course sharpers, the meaning being: ‘Run! the police!’ The word came into general use, and was ultimately converted into CRUSHER = a policeman.] For synonyms, see BEAK, sense 1, and COPPER.
c. 1840. THACKERAY, The Organ-Boy’s Appeal.
| Though you set in Vestminster surrounded by your CRUSHERS, | |
| Harrogant and habsolute like the Hortocrat of hall the Rushers. |
1842. Punch, vol. II., p. 137. ‘Proverbial Philosophy.’ There is not one CRUSHER who is proof against the waistcoat pocket.
1853. Diogenes, II., 46.
| Here in came (to the Court) a CRUSHER, | |
| (Beg pardon—mean usher), | |
| Dragging in a Pot-boy, | |
| With a great show of joy. |
1859. G. A. SALA, Twice Round the Clock, 5 P.M., par. 19. A CRUSHER, or policeman, there is indeed.
1877. W. H. THOMSON, Five Years’ Penal Servitude, iii. 223. Oh, that’s one of the cleverest gentlemen cracksmen out…. The blooming CRUSHERS were precious glad when they ‘pinched’ ’im.
2. (popular).—Anything large, fine, or extraordinary. [From CRUSH, to overwhelm or subdue.] Akin to WHOPPER, STINGER, CORKER, BOUNCER, etc. (q.v.).
1849. THACKERAY, Pendennis, ch. iv. She is a CRUSHER, ain’t she now?
1870. New York Herald, Jan. The Fenians in England received rather a CRUSHER, if I may use so slang a word, two days ago.
