† foister Obs.
(ˈfɔɪstə(r))
[f. foist v.1 + -er1.]
One who foists, in senses of the vb. a. One who ‘foists’ dice. b. One who interpolates spurious words or passages, etc. c. A cheat, sharper. d. A pickpocket.
| c 1550 [see foist v.1 1]. 1566 T. Stapleton Ret. Untr. Jewel iv. 36 A Forger, a Foyster or a Cogger. 1585 Fleetwood in Ellis Orig. Lett. Ser. i. II. 298 A publique ffoyster..Nota that a ffoister is a Pick-pockett. 1610 Holland Camden's Brit. i. 10 Some craftie foister and jugling deceiver. 1823 Leigh's New Pict. Lond. 104 His proficiency was rewarded by styling him a nypper and a foyster. |