or famble, fam, subs. (old).—A ring; also (about 1694) gloves, which later still were also called FAM-SNATCHERS (q.v.). [From FAMBLE, a hand + A.S. CHETE (q.v.), a thing.]
1567. HARMAN, A Caveat or Warening for Common Cursetors, p. 64. A FAMBLING CHETE, a ring on thy hand.
1610. ROWLANDS, Martin Mark-all, p. 38 [Hunterian Club’s Reprint, 1874]. FAMBLING CHEATES, Rings.
1688. SHADWELL, The Squire of Alsatia, II., in wks. (1720), iv., 47. Look on my finger, sirrah, look here; here’s a FAMBLE.
1694. DUNTON, Ladies’ Dictionary, s.v. FAMBLE-CHEATS, rings or gloves.
1724. E. COLES, English Dictionary. FAMBLE CHEATS, rings or gloves.
1789. G. PARKER, Life’s Painter, p. 180. FAM, A gold ring.
