1836. M. Scott, Cruise of the Midge, p. 106. He was stabbed by the Ragamuffin he had fleeced.
1849. Thackeray, Pendennis, ch. xxxi. Bloundell is a professional blackleg, and travels the Continent, where he picks up young gentlemen of fashion and fleeces them.
1859. Times, 25 Oct. ‘Review of Dean Ramsay’s Reminiscences.’ I don’t know whether they are black or white sheep, but I know that if they are long there they are pretty certain to be fleeced.
1891. Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, 16 Jan. How you would be fleeced! You’ve got a lot to learn yet.
Hence fleeced = ruined; dead-broke (q.v. for synonyms).
Fleecer, subs. (old).—A thief.
1600–69. Prynne, Breviate. Not fleecers, but feeders.
Fleece-Hunter, or -Monger, subs. phr. (venery).—A whore-master. For synonyms, see Molrower.
Fleeter-Face, subs. (old).—A pale-face; a coward. Cf., Shakspeare’s ‘cream-faced loon.’
1647. Beaumont and Fletcher, Queen of Corinth. You know where you are, you fleeter-face.