subs. (common).—A marine store: really an illegal pawn-shop and FENCE (q.v.); also LEAVING-SHOP. No questions are asked; all goods are received on the understanding that they may be repurchased within a given time; so much per day is charged; no duplicate is given; and no books are kept. [From the BLACK DOLL (q.v.) suspended outside as a sign.]
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, vol. I., p. 142. If she hasn’t, or if the neighbours hasn’t it, she borrows it at a DOLLY-SHOP (the illegal pawnshop).
1860–68. Chambers’ Encyclopædia, s.v.
1871. Echo, 16 March. Chimney sweeps having lent their machines to DOLLY-SHOP keepers for the price of a spree, could not redeem them to commence business.
