also flash-companion, subs. (common).—A thief; a sharper; a FENCE (q.v.).
1825. G. KENT, Modern Flash Dictionary. FLASH-COVE—the keeper of a place for the reception of stolen goods.
1839. W. H. AINSWORTH, Jack Sheppard (1889), p. 60. ‘Awake! To be sure I am, my FLASH-COVE!’ replied Sheppard.
