Put-off

1. The act of jostling a victim, forcing him to descend bus or car steps while a skilled pickpocket robs him. 2. A point at which people leave cars, trains, or buses where pickpockets may operate profitably. 3. The act of jostling a pickpocket victim through a closing door of a train or bus at the instant of robbing them so that recovery is rendered impossible.

- american underworld dictionary - 1950

Put"-off` (?; 115), n.

A shift for evasion or delay; an evasion; an excuse.

L'Estrange.

 

© Webster 1913.