subs. phr. (tramps’).—A professional pugilist: specifically one who ‘boxes’ for a livelihood at fairs, race-meetings, etc.
1880. GREENWOOD, At Flyfaker’s Hotel, in Odd People in Odd Places, p. 56. ‘You see them two there,’ said he, lowering his voice, sitting on t’other end of the table and eating fried fish and bread. ‘That’s their mittens they’ve got tied up in that hankercher. They’re FIGHTING COVES.’
