Prick the garter, or PITCH THE NOB, a gambling and cheating game common at fairs, and generally practised by thimble-riggers. It consists of a GARTER or a piece of list doubled, and then folded up tight. The bet is made upon your asserting that you can, with a pin, PRICK the point at which the garter is doubled. The garter is then unfolded, and nine times out of ten you will find that you have been deceived, and that one of the false folds has been pricked. The owner of the GARTER holds the ends tightly with one hand, and there is little doubt that he can make the “flat” lose and the “bonnet” win at pleasure. This was, doubtless, originally a gipsy game, and we are informed by Brand that it was much practised by the gipsies in the time of Shakspeare. In those days it was termed PRICKING AT THE BELT, or FAST AND LOOSE.
Prig, a thief. Used by Addison in the sense of a coxcomb.—Ancient Cant, probably from the Saxon, PRICC-AN, to filch, &c.—Shakspeare. Prig, to steal or rob. Prigging, thieving. In Scotland the term PRIG is used in a different sense from what it is in England. In Glasgow, or at Aberdeen, “to PRIG a salmon” would be to cheapen it, or seek for an abatement in the price. A story is told of two Scotchmen, visitors to London, who got into sad trouble a few years ago by announcing their intention of “PRIGGING a hat” which they had espied in a fashionable manufacturer’s window, and which one of them thought he would like to possess.
Prig, a conceited, stuck-up, over-knowing person; one who appropriates or adopts a manner or costume not suited to him.
Priggish, conceited.
Primed, said of a person in that state of incipient intoxication that if he took more drink it would become evident. Also, crammed for an examination.
Pro, a professional.—Theatrical.
Pro, the proproctor, or second in command in the proctorial police. The two proctors generally appoint a certain number of proproctors each.—Oxford University.
Proctorized, TO BE, to be stopped by the Proctor, and told to call on him.—University.
Prog, meat, food, &c. Johnson calls it “a low word.” He was fond of “prog,” however.