subs. (pugilists’).—See NOB, sense 1.

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  1819.  T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, 40.

        For, though, all know, that flashy spark
  From C—st—r—gh receiv’d a NOBBER.

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  2.  (showmen’s).—See quots.

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  1890.  Echo, 30 Oct. NOBBER is beach slang for financial agent, and indicates the gentleman who goes round with the plate or box. Great care is always bestowed upon the selection of the NOBBER. He is really the most important member of the troupe, and must be an artist of the first water if he is to get any money…. Only a NOBBER can know the extraordinary meanness of the British public, the reluctant way in which it doles out its coppers, and its refusal to donate silver on any terms.

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  1893.  P. H. EMERSON, Signor Lippo, vi. I have often met honourable NOBBERS since like the poller, that poor honest artiste, who was far too honourable to allow any slur to be cast upon his character.

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