Obs. [f. BROKE v. + -ING2.]
1. That acts as a broker.
1592. G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super., 175. Not such … a broking & huckstering penne [exists].
1598. J. Dickenson, Greene in Conc. (1878), 155. His owne, and hir attyre, fell into the hands of brokeing Usurers.
1647. R. Stapylton, Juvenal, 133. A broaking usurer.
2. ? That acts as a procurer.
1599. Marston, Sco. Villanie, I. iii. 180. A die, a drab, and filthy broking knaues Are … all deuouring graues.
3. Base-dealing; ‘peddling,’ contemptible.
1592. Wyrley, Armorie, 142. Like a broking varlet.
1594. Nashe, Unfort. Trav., 32. This broccing duble beere oration.
1606. Wily Beguiled, in Hazl., Dodsley, IX. 238. I scorn that base, broking … name.
1639. J. Mayne, City Match, in Dodsley (1780), IX. 379. O that I could But see that cheating rogue upon the rack: I’d … show him hell, and then recall His broking soul and give him strength to suffer His torture often.
