subs. (old).—One of the canting-crew whose specialty was to feign sickness. [From CRANK (q.v., sense 1), the ‘falling-sickness,’ + CUFFIN (see COVE), a man.]
1749. R. GOADBY, The Life and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, ‘The Oath of the Canting Crew.’
| I, CRANK CUFFIN, swear to be | |
| True to this fraternity. |
