▪ I. ˈprigger1 slang.
Also 6 -ar.
[f. prig v.1 + -er1.]
One who prigs; a thief.
| 1561 J. Awdelay Frat. Vacab. (1869) 4 A Stealer of Horses, which they terme a Priggar of Paulfreys. 1567 Harman Caveat (1869) 43 A Gentleman..espying a Pryggar,..charging this prity prigginge person to walke his horse well... This peltynge Priggar..walkethe his horse vp and downe tyll he sawe the Gentleman out of sighte, and leapes him into the saddell, and awaye he goeth a mayne. 1591 Greene Conny Catch. ii. (1592) 3 The Priggar is he that steales the horse. 1673 [see cackler]. a 1700 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Priggers, Thieves. 1712 J. Shirley Tri. Wit, Black Profess., A Prigger of Cacklers..steals..the Poultry. |
▪ II. † prigger2 Obs. rare.
[? f. prig v.2]
A rider; spec. A mounted highwayman.
| c 1600 Day Begg. Bednall Gr. i. iii. (1881) 21 He wo'd be your prigger, your prancer, your high-lawyer. |