[f. BROKE v.]
1. The broker’s trade; acting as a broker.
1569. E. Hake, Newes Powles Ch. Yarde (1579), G iij. Of Brokers, they did thirtie such ordaine … To vse the trade of broking.
1864. Sala, in Temple Bar Mag., XII. 36. Outside and all around you find bargaining, chaffering, broking and discounting, [etc.].
1866. Lond. Rev., 6 Oct., 380/2. The Legislature itself must for a time abandon reform, and take to furniture broking.
† 2. Lending of money upon pawns or pledges; dishonest or fraudulent dealing. Obs.
1592. Chettle, Kinde Harts Dr. (1841), 51. An occupation of no long standing about London, called broking, or brogging … in which there is pretty jugling, especially to blind law, and bolster usury.
1603. Breton, Poste w. Packet, &c. A crafty knave may loose by his cunning Broking.
1619. J. Heath, House of Corr., C iv. I told a Scriuener of his Briberie, His Broking, Forging, Cheating, Knauery.
3. attrib. (Difficult to separate from the ppl. a.)
1569. E. Hake, Newes Powles Ch. Yarde (1591), G iij b. whole hundreds now doe liue by beastly broking trade.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., II. i. 293. If then we shall … Redeeme from broaking pawne the blemish’d Crowne.
1633. T. Adams, Exp. 2 Peter i. 17. A usurer in his broking-house.
