prigging

In the first place, they were the first to set their face against the objectionable system of "prigging," which up to that time had prevailed to a greater or less extent in every description of retail business.

Western Worthies A Gallery of Biographical and Critical Sketches of West of Scotland Celebrities 1879

Now it was upon my lips to indignantly deny so vile an accusation, but the words were arrested by a sudden, horrid thought, a dreadful suspicion, for in this moment I remembered Diana had passed this way very recently and, calling to mind the unfortunate predilection for appropriating the goods of others which she had termed "prigging," I knew a sudden shame on her account and therewith a sick fear lest she be caught with the damning evidence of guilt upon her.

Peregrine's Progress Jeffery Farnol 1915

Two charming old ladies caught me prigging — Los Senhoras T.

The Romance of Isabel Lady Burton 2006

This in fact, just to show you, is Caseous, the brutherscutch or puir tyron: a hole or two, the highstinks aforefelt and anygo prigging wurms.

Finnegans Wake 2006

One of our watches was found in the pocket of a noble interpreter, who, unabashed, declared that he placed it there for fear of its being injured; and the traders are constantly compelled to call in the Fetishman for the protection of their stores against the prigging chiefs.

Two Trips to Gorilla Land and the Cataracts of the Congo 2003

Lawford did not like to ask what prigging was, so kept quiet.

Sharpe's Tiger Cornwell, Bernard 1997

But to tell you the truth I was partly spoiled by my mother, for she allowed me to do as I liked, and when I grew up I became acquainted with others like myself, and from prigging apples out of gardens I got to prigging pockets, and from that I got to be a 'screwsman' and a 'cracksman.'

Six Years in the Prisons of England A Merchant - Anonymous

_Swivel_ dreads being taken up for prigging the parrot; and a frightful catastrophe is only averted by the entrance of the truant lovers, who have performed the comedy of

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, September 25, 1841 Various

On their first introduction to their masters, by prigging or purchase, they represent some of the glories of "Day and Martin;" but, strange to say, though little skilled in the penman's art, their various owners appear to be imbued with extraordinary veneration for the wholesome advice contained in the round-text copy, wherein youths are admonished to "avoid useless repetition," hence that polish is the Alpha and Omega of their shining days.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, July 24, 1841 Various

Were despised and prigging prospered, spite of Laurie, spite of law.

The Book of Humorous Verse Various 1902