huggery
(ˈhʌgərɪ)
[f. hug v., hugger n.1: see -ery.]
The action or practice of hugging; esp. the practice of courting an attorney, etc. with the view of obtaining professional employment.
| 1804 L. T. Rede Ess. Exam. Laws Eng. (ed. 2) I. 65 The barrier [of etiquette] is now removed by the eagerness of barristers to procure business by flattering and courting attornies who have the distribution of it—this is distinguished by the curious appellation of huggery. 1810 Ld. Campbell in Life (1881) I. 249 We lived together very amicably, not⁓withstanding a few jealousies and rumours of huggery. 1827 Blackw. Mag. XXII. 511 With the most ludicrous exultation and self-huggery. 1854 Fraser's Mag. L. 269 Though huggery and undue familiarity with attorneys are forbidden by the etiquette of the Bar, yet there is no canon of the profession against huggery of parliamentary agents. |