subs. (thieves’).—1. A robbery. Hence IN FOR A VAMP = QUODDED (q.v.) for PRIGGING (q.v.); VAMPER (q.v.) = a thief.
2. (common).—In pl. = refooted stockings (B. E.): see VAMPER.
Verb. (American colloquial).—1. To improvise a musical accompaniment: the key and time being known, a passable accompaniment is playable at sight by a system which, in America, is ‘taught in eight lessons for $10.’ Also as subs., and VAMPER.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, iii. 201. As soon as I could get in to VAMP the tunes on the banjo a little.
1888. Pall Mall Gazette, 31 Jan. [Advt.]. How to VAMP to songs, chords, etc.
2. (common).—To pawn, SPOUT (q.v.) (B. E. and GROSE).
