subs. (old).—1. A THIEF (q.v.): spec. (also SNEAKING-BUDGE) = an accomplice who gains access to a building during the day, to be locked in, so that at night he is able to admit his fellows: but see quots.
1671. R. HEAD, The English Rogue, I., v., 48 (1874). BUDGE, one that steals cloaks.
1674. R. HEAD, Canting Academy, 95. The BUDGE … his employment is in the dark of the Evening, to go into any door that he seeth open, and … take whatever next cometh to hand.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. BUDGE, c. one that slips into an House in the Dark, and taketh Cloaks, Coats, or what comes next to Hand, marching off with them; also Lambs-fur, and to stir, or move. Standing BUDGE, c. the Thieves Scout or Perdu.
1752. FIELDING, Amelia, I., iii. I find you are some sneaking BUDGE rascal [cant term for pilfering].
2. (old).—Drink; liquor. Hence, BUDGY = drunk; BUDGING-KEN = a public house; COVE OF THE BUDGING-KEN = a publican; BUDGER = a drunkard.
1821. D. HAGGART, Life, Glossary, 171. BUDGE, drink. Ibid., 171. BUDGE KAIN, a public-house.
Verb. (old colloquial).—To move; to MAKE TRACKS (q.v.): cf. BUDGE-A-BEAKE.
