subs. (old).—1. BLUFF (q.v.); specifically, BUNCO-STEERING (q.v.), the art of talking over and persuading a stranger that he is an old acquaintance. Cf., GAG, verb, sense 2.
1828. G. SMEETON, Doings in London, p. 28. One of the modes of raising money, well known in town by the flash name of GAGGING, has been practised of late to a considerable extent on simple countrymen, who are strangers to the ‘ways of town.’
2. (cabmen’s).—Loitering about for ‘fares’; ‘crawling.’
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, Vol. III., p. 366. The means used are GAGGING, that is to say, driving about and loitering in the thoroughfares for jobs.
3. (theatrical).—Dealing in GAGS (q.v.), sense 1. Also as ppl. adj.
1883. The Echo, 5 Jan., p. 2, c. 3. A protest, by no means unneeded, against the insolence or ignorance of some playwrights, and GAGGING actors.
1889. Answers, 27 July, p. 143, c. 2. GAGGING is a thing about which the public know little.
