subs. (old).—A thief; specifically, a FENCE (q.v.). [In allusion to the fraternities into which thieves were at one time invariably banded.] See THIEVES.
1749. R. GOADBY, The Life and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, ‘The Oath of the Canting Crew.’
| No dummerar, or romany; | |
| No member of THE FAMILY. |
1788. G. A. STEVENS, The Adventures of a Speculist, i., 221. Let the people say what they will against gamesters, gamblers, or FAMILY-MEN.
1838. GLASCOCK, Land Sharks and Sea Gulls, II., 100. This house … was a favourite resort of THE FAMILY, or, to speak with less reserve, it was a thieves’ house.
1857. SNOWDEN, Magistrates Assistant [3rd ed.], p. 444. Thieves: FAMILY-MEN.
