1. One's
personal appearance, especially an
impressive appearance. "
There's a ghee (fellow) with a perfect front for the shake (extortion). Give him a white tin (silver badge) and he'd pass for law (a policeman) anywhere."
2. A
business office or other establishment used to cover up
illegal activities.
3. An
appearance of, and a
reputation for,
viciousness that
inspires terror. "
Some dude (fellow) with a few under his belt (several murder to his credit) is the front a shylock (loan shark) setup needs to lineup (control) the rabbits (borrowers)."
4. A
suit of
clothes; a
wardrobe.
5. The
warden's office; the administration building.
6. Any person who will
speak or
act for an
underworld character when needed; a
criminal lawyer.
- american underworld dictionary - 1950