Dictionary entry

Thimblerig (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Thim″ble‐rig′, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Thimblerigged (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Thimblerigging.] To swindle by means of small cups or thimbles, and a pea or small ball placed under one of them and quickly shifted to another, the victim laying a wager that he knows under which cup it is; hence, to cheat by any trick.