fly-pitch

present singular third person fly-pitches · participle present fly-pitching · participle past fly-pitched · past fly-pitched

1. To sell goods on the street without a vendor's licence, usually from a small suitcase, wooden crate, etc., ready to depart hurriedly if the authorities arrive.

   “Oh, come on, Tiny”, the trader from the fruit stall said lightly trying to ease the tension, “we all started that way. I ’ad to fly pitch for months before I got me license.”

   1990, Anna King, Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries, →ISBN, page 10

   1 more example

   He didn’t want involvement with the filth if he could avoid it, anyway; he’d done dodgy deals around town a few times, fly-pitching and ripping off a few tourists, minor stuff, but it was best to keep a low profile.

   2011, Jessie Keane, The Make, →ISBN, page 104

1. A temporary location on the street from which goods are sold.

   “Bin workin’ a fly pitch in the Sat’day gaff,” said Micky Barnet.

   1939, J.B. Priestly, Let the People Sing, page 217

   1 more example

   The road was packed with wagons and people going about their mid-morning business. Delivery carts piled high with furniture, hay and crates negotiated their way between the fly-pitch barrows selling the early catch from Billingsgate market half a mile away.

   2012, Jean Fullerton, Hold on to Hope, →ISBN, page 25