subs. (common).—A form of strangulation (see verb). [From the Spanish la garrota = a method of capital punishment, which consists in strangulation by means of an iron collar.]
Verb. (common).—1. A method of robbery with violence, much practised some years ago. The victims were generally old or feeble men and women. Three hands were engaged: the FRONT-STALL who looked out in that quarter, the BACK-STALL at the rear, and the UGLY or NASTY-MAN who did the work by passing his arm round his subject’s neck from behind, and so throttling him to insensibility.
1869. GREENWOOD, The Seven Curses of London. Committed for trial for GARROTTING and nearly murdering a gentleman.
1873. A. TROLLOPE, Phineas Redux, ch. xlvi. In those days there had been much GARROTTING in the streets.
2. (cards).—To cheat by concealing certain cards at the back of the neck.
