subs. (old cant).—1. ‘A Counterfeit (old) Coyn’ (B. E. and GROSE).
2. (old).—See quot. (also TO HAVE A SWIMMER).
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. SWIMMER, a guard-ship, or tender; a thief who escapes prosecution, when before a magistrate, on condition of being sent on board the receiving-ship, to serve His Majesty, is said by his palls to be SWIMMERED.
