subs. (old).—1. See quot.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. SUIT. In general synonymous with game; as, what SUIT did you give it to ’em upon? in what manner did you rob them, or upon what pretence, etc., did you defraud them? One species of imposition is said to be a prime SUIT, another a queer SUIT: a man describing the pretext he used to obtain money from another, would say, I draw’d him of a quid upon the SUIT of so and so, naming the ground of his application. A person having engaged with another on very advantageous terms to serve or work for him, will declare that he is upon a good SUIT. To use great submission and respect in asking any favour of another, is called giving it to him upon the humble SUIT.
2. (thieves’).—See quot.
1839. W. H. AINSWORTH, Jack Sheppard, II. xiv. Bargaining with a clouter, or pickpocket, for a SUIT,—or, to speak in more intelligible language, a watch and seals.
3. (colloquial).—Generic for completeness: e.g., a SUIT (= full head) OF HAIR; A SUIT (= a complete set) OF TEETH; A SUIT OF MOURNING = two black eyes (GROSE). See subs. 2.
1870. JUDD, Margaret, ii. 1. The face of this gentleman was strikingly marked by a SUIT of enormous black WHISKERS that flowed together and united under his chin.
