subs. (provincial).—1. A gipsy.
1861. Cornhill Magazine, iv. 102. ‘A Cumberland Mare’s Nest.’
| Warrants, indictments, summonses; the scourge of tramp and MUGGER, he | |
| Commanded the intruder to be shown into his snuggery. |
1871. London Figaro, 1 April. But the English gipsy is another character; although the members of the Lees, Jones, Hernes, and other families proudly hold their heads as being many grades above the travelling MUGGERS and tramping vagabonds who mend pots and kettles and re-seat old chairs.
2. (public schools’).—See quot.
1883. PAYN, The Canon’s Ward, viii. ‘A MUGGER, that’s what he is,’ said the other, contemptuously; a MUGGER—a comprehensive term understood to include all persons with an ambition for University distinction.
3. (theatrical).—A comedian whose best point is grimace. Also MUG-FAKER.
1892. National Observer, 27 Feb., p. 379. None had ever a more expressive viznomy than this prince of MUGGERS. He can say more with his eyebrow than the common tragedian with the full resources of his double-bass.
4. (Anglo-Indian).—A crocodile.
1895. KIPLING, Second Jungle Book, ‘The Undertakers,’ 106. The MUGGER of Ahmedmugger Ghaut.
