subs. phr. (common).—A well-dressed pickpocket. Hence SWELL-MOB.
1843. Punch, iv. 129. ‘A Thieves’ Chaunt.’
| Rich Charities the chapel throng; | |
| The SWELL MOB—they are there; | |
| The Bishop’s sermon is not long: | |
| The foglehunter ware! |
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, II. 417. SWELL-MOBSMEN, and thieves, and housebreakers, and the like o’ that ere.
1856. The Quarterly Review, June, 182. The SWELL MOBSMAN’S eye is for ever wandering in search of his prey.
c. 1860. DICKENS, Three Detective Anecdotes, ii. Some of the SWELL MOB … kidded us.
1866. HOTTEN, The Slang Dictionary, s.v. Public patterers, SWELL MOBSMEN who pretend to be Dissenting preachers, and harangue in the open air to attract a crowd for their confederates to rob.
