1796. Grose, Vulg. Tongue (3rd Ed.), s.v.
Hocus, subs. (old: now recognised).—1. A cheat; an imposter. [An abbreviation of hocus-pocus (q.v.).]
1654. Witts Recreations. Here Hocas lyes with his tricks and his knocks, Whom death hath made sure as a juglers box; Who many hath cozen’d by his leiger-demain, Is presto convey’d and here underlain. Thus Hocas he’s here, and here he is not, While death plaid the Hocas, and brought him to th’ pot.
2. (old: now recognised).—Drugged liquor.
1823. Bee, Dict. Turf, s.v. Hocus or Hocus Pocus.… A deleterious drug mixed with wine, etc., which enfeebles the person acted upon.
Adj. (old).—See quots. For synonyms, see Drinks and Screwed.
1725. New. Cant. Dict., s.v. Hocus, disguised in Liquor; drunk.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Hocus Pocus, he is quite hocus, he is quite drunk.
Verb (old: now recognised).—1. To cheat; to impose upon.
2. (old: now recognised).—To drug; to snuff (q.v.).