subs. (thieves’).—A pickpocket’s confederate: one who ‘fronts,’ i.e., distracts the attention of, the victim; a STALL (q.v.).
Verb (thieves’).—1. To act as a pickpocket’s confederate.
1858. Glasgow Gazette, 13 Nov. ‘A Sensitive Thief.’ I saw Merritt lift up the tail of a gentleman’s coat and thrust his hand into the pocket…. Jordan and O’Brien were COVERING Merritt while so acting. I knew them all to be regular thieves.
2. (American).—To drink. For synonyms, see LUSH.
3. (venery).—To ‘have’ or ‘possess’ a woman. [Properly used of a stallion and a mare.]
1653. URQUHART, Translation of Rabelais. Madam, it would be a very great benefit to the commonwealth, delightful to you, honourable to your progeny, and necessary for me, that I COVER you for the propagating of my race.
