Fake, to cheat, or swindle; to do anything; to go on, or continue; to make or construct; to steal or rob,—a verb variously used. Faked, done, or done for; “FAKE away, there’s no down;” go on, there is nobody looking. From the Latin FACERE.
Fakement, a false begging petition, any act of robbery, swindling, or deception. Fakement is a word of most general application among the lower classes. Any things strange, and most things not strange, are called FAKEMENTS, particularly if there is anything peculiar or artistic in their production.
Fakement Charley, the owner’s private mark. Faker, is one who makes or FAKES anything. To “fake a cly,” is to pick a pocket.
Fal-lals, trumpery ornaments, gewgaws. Forby suggests as a derivation the Latin PHALERÆ, horse trappings.
Fambles, or FAMMS, the hands.—Ancient Cant. German, FANGEN.
Family men, or PEOPLE, thieves, or burglars.
Fan, a waistcoat.—Houndsditch term.
Fancy, the favourite sports, pets, or pastime of a person, the ton of low life. Pugilists are sometimes termed the FANCY. Shakspeare uses the word in the sense of a favourite or pet; and the paramour of a prostitute is still called her FANCY MAN.
Fancy bloak, a fancy or sporting man.
Fanning, a beating. Fanning is also stealing; CROSS-FANNING is stealing with the arms crossed so as to distract attention, as in stealing breast-pins, &c.