It was first introduced as a cant term, and used to signify obtaining of goods, credit, or money, under false pretences.

It has since had a legislative adoption, being parliamentary recognised by an Act for the prevention of it.

The artifices, schemes, and crimes, resorted to by these gentry, are so numerous, that it would be impossible to describe them all.

One mode of practice, however, is not uncommon in London.
Three or four swell Jews contrive to hire a large house with some spare rooms, in the City, that are turned into warehouses, in which are a number of casks, boxes, &e.
filled with sand; and also a quantity of large sugar-loaves in appearance, which are only clay done up in blue paper, but corded and made up with great nicety.
An elegant Counting-house is likewise furnished with books and other apparatus, to deceive the eye and give the appearance of extensive business, great regularity, and large property.

The Clerks in attendance are a set of Jews, who are privy to the scheme, and equally ready at fraud as those who profess to be the Principals.
A Dining-room elegantly furnished upon the _mace_,* receives you * The Mace--Is a person who carries all the appearance of a great and rich man, with servants, carriages, &c.