Gold Bug, subs. phr. (American).—A man of wealth and (inferentially) distinction; a millionaire. See Bug.
1888. St. Louis Globe Democrat, Mar. 5. I do not think the feeling against silver is anything like as strong as it was. Of course, a few gold bugs might fight him.
Gold-dropper, subs. (old).—A sharper. An old-time worker of the confidence trick. See quots. Also Gold-finder.
1690. B. E., Cant. Crew, s.v. Gold-droppers, Sweetners, Cheats, Sharpers.
1748. T. Dyche, Dictionary (5th ed.). Gold-finder (s.) … also a cant name for a cheat, who under the pretence of finding a piece of money, and inviting a by-stander to partake of a treat, etc., out of it, endeavours to get him to play at cards, dice, etc., in order to win or cheat him of his money; they are sometimes also called guinea-droppers.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Sharpers who drop a piece of gold, which they pick up in the presence of some unexperienced person, for whom the trap is laid, this they pretend to have found, and, as he saw them pick it up, they invite him to a public house to partake of it: when there, two or three of their comrades drop in, as if by accident, and propose cards, or some other game, when they seldom fail of stripping their prey.
1811. Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
Golden-cream, subs. (thieves’).—Rum.
1889. Clarkson and Richardson, Police, p. 321, s.v.
Gold-end Man, subs. phr. (old).—An itinerant jeweller; a buyer of old gold and silver. [Gold-end = a broken piece of jewellery.] Also Goldsmith’s Apprentice. See Eastward Hoe.