or -coup, -racket, subs. (old).—A mode of swindling: the sharpers start by betting among themselves; then the by-standers are induced to join; then stakes are deposited; lastly, there is a row, when one of the gang GRABS the stakes, and decamps. But see quot., 1823.
1823. BADCOCK (‘Jon Bee’), Dictionary of the Turf, etc., s.v. GRAB-COUP, modern practice of gambling, adopted by the losers, thus the person cheated, or done, takes his opportunity, makes a dash at the depository of money, or such as may be down for the play, and GRABS as much as possible, pockets the proceeds, and fights his way out of the house.
1846. R. B. SAGE, Scenes in the Rocky Mountains, p. 282. ‘I’ll bear you company! What d’ye say to that?’ ‘Just as you like,’ responded his two companions; ‘that is, provided you wont attempt the GRAB GAME on us.’
1892. R. L. STEVENSON and L. OSBOURNE, The Wrecker, p. 219. ‘Now, boss!’ he cried, not unkindly, ‘is this to be run shipshape; or is it a Dutch GRAB-RACKET?
