| 释义 |
swindler|ˈswɪndlə(r)|
[ad. G. schwindler giddy-minded person, extravagant projector, esp. in money matters, cheat, f. schwindeln to be giddy, act thoughtlessly or extravagantly, swindle, going back to MHG. swindeln, OHG. suintilôn (cf. MHG. swindel, swintel, OHG. suuintilôd dizziness), frequent. f. suintan to waste away, languish, lose consciousness, etc.: see swind v. and -le. Cf. Du. zwendelaar.
Orig. a cant word, said to have been introduced into London by German Jews about 1762, and to have been first used in literature by Lord Mansfield. See Bailey's Dict. ed. 1782, and Slang Dict. (1873) 317.]
One who practises fraud, imposition, or mean artifice for purposes of gain; one who systematically defrauds or cheats others; a cheat.
1774W. Hawke (title) The life, trial, &c. of William Hawke... To which is added a full description of the impositions and deceptions practiced by the swindlers, sharps, gamblers..in and about London. 1775Ann. Reg., Chron. 175/2 Dupes to the designing arts of the wretches distinguished by the name of Swindlers. 1797(title) Adventures of the Extravagant Wit; or the English Swindler, shewing the various Frauds and Tricks he committed in London and the most distant parts of the Globe. 1819Shelley Peter Bell 3rd ii. ii, A swindler, living as he can. 1889Jessopp Coming of Friars iii. 159 The swindler always thinks his victim a fool.
Hence (all nonce-wds.) ˈswindlerdom, the realm of swindlers, swindlers collectively; ˈswindlership, the condition of a swindler; ˈswindlery, the practice of a swindler, swindling.
1865Pall Mall G. 16 Aug. 9/1 The enterprise of London *Swindlerdom seems to be illimitable.
1862Carlyle Fredk. Gt. xii. xi. III. 341 What is truth, falsity, human Kingship, human *Swindlership?
1833― Misc. Ess., Cagliostro (1872) V. 93 Had there been no sumptuary or adultery or *swindlery Law-acts. 1837― Fr. Rev. i. ii. vi, Swindlery and Blackguardism have stretched hands across the Channel, and saluted mutually. 1869Dickens in All Year Round 2 Jan. 109/2 Swindlery in doubtful boots, on the sharp look-out for any likely young gentleman. |
