[f. VAMP v.1]
† 1. A stocking. Obs.–0
Perhaps an error for vampeis or vampeys.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Vampers, Stockings. [Hence in later slang dicts.]
2. One who vamps or patches. Also with up.
1712. Odes of Horace, VIII. 7/1. Our Horace is a new vamper of words and borrowed this from the Greek.
1765. Sterne, Tr. Shandy, VIII. xxxvii. That in selling my chaise, I had sold my remarks … to the chaise-vamper.
1826. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 191. I shall use all vampers, like the great American shrike…, who sticks small singing-birds on sharp-pointed thorns.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., I. IV. iv. Skilfullest vamper-up of old rotten leather, to make it look like new.
3. slang. (See quot.)
1865. Slang Dict., 265. Vampers, fellows who frequent public-houses and pick quarrels with the wearers of rings and watches, in hopes of getting up a fight, and so enabling their ‘pals’ to steal the articles.
4. One who improvises music, esp. accompaniments on the pianoforte.
1884. Yorksh. Post, 7 Nov. Lady pianist and vocalist, reader at sight, vamper.
1895. Westm. Gaz., 24 Sept. His education as a vamper is complete for all practical purposes.
