A set of organized villains in New York City; also, later, the term was applied to Chinese gangs on the Pacific Coast.
1806. A desperate association of lawless and unprincipled vagabonds, calling themselves “High-binders,”… produced several riots.—N.Y. Ev. Post, Dec. 26. (N.E.D.)
1807. A desperate association of unprincipled men calling themselves Highbinders, who, under pretence of demolishing houses of ill fame, commit the most disorderly practices.—The Balance, Hudson, N.Y., Jan. 6, p. 6.
1839. You are the highbinder which took away my young woman.—Charles F. Briggs, ‘Harry Franco,’ i. 175.
1839. Perhaps you can convince Mr. Murphy, here, that I am no highbinder, although I have got a frock coat on.—Id., ii. 69.
a. 1849. The debaucheries, crime, and improprieties of soaplocks, blacklegs, and highbinders.—Dow, Jun., ‘Patent Sermons,’ i. 255.
