subs. (old).—The fraternity of pugilists: prize-fighting being once regarded as THE FANCY par excellence. Hence, by implication, people who cultivate a special hobby or taste. Cf., FANCY-BLOKE.
1818. P. EGAN, Boxiana, vol. I., p. 355. The various gradations of THE FANCY hither resort, to discuss matters incidental to pugilism.
1848. THACKERAY, The Book of Snobs, ch. xiv. Mr. William Ramm, known to THE FANCY as the Tutbury Pet.
1860. Chambers’s Journal, vol. XIII., p. 153.
