1892. Anstey, Voces Populi (2nd Series). ‘In Trafalgar Square.’ A professional hook.
3. (common).—A catch; an advantage; an imposture.
Verb (old).—1. To rob; to steal. Specifically, to steal watches, rings, etc., from a shop by cutting a small hole in the window, and fishing for such articles with a piece of string with a hook at the end.
1615. Albumazar, iii., 3. Is not this braver than sneak all night in danger, Picking of locks, or hooking cloths at windows.
b. 1796. Burns, Jolly Beggars. For mony a pursie she had hookit.
1876. Clemens [Mark Twain], Tom Sawyer, p. 34. And while Aunt Polly closed with a happy Scriptural flourish, Tom hooked a doughnut.
1884. M. Twain, Huck. Finn, xxx., 312. Didn’t you have it in your mind to hook the money and hide it?
2. (colloquial).—To secure, as for marriage; to marry.
1886. J. S. Winter, Army Society, ch. xviii. I wonder if Mrs. Traff has contrived to hook him for her sweet Laura.
1892. Manville Fenn, New Mistress, ch. xxv. Have you I will—there now. Don’t you think you’re going to hook Lambent.