highbinder

plural highbinders · alternative high-binder

1. USobsoleteA ruffian, especially one of a gang.
2. USobsoleteA member of one of several Chinese criminal gangs associated with illegal immigration and prostitution.
3. USdatedA swindler, especially a corrupt politician.

   I had become one of the people I envied, and I now envied a higher level of sharpers and highbinders.

   2003, Jim Morris, Fighting Men, page 189

   4 more examples

   Well, I sent for him not an hour ago; he's goin' to take copies of th' accounts that show what th' Chief an' them other highbinders at the top o' Tammany have been doin'.

   1903, Alfred Henry Lewis, The boss, and how he came to rule New York, page 177

   Is it strange that every trust magnate, every corporation highbinder, every great Wall-street gambler and upholder of predatory and privileged wealth, and all their journals, are mutual in their praise of this Handy Andy of Mr. Ryan and his like among the Wall-street exploiters of the people?

   1906, “The Election”, in The Arena, page 652

   "Find out what these highbinders from Albany are up to," city editors up and down the Row were presently instructing reporters.

   1916, Everybody's magazine, page 388

   the most elaborate conspiracy since the Derby scandal of 1844 when a group of 19th century highbinders arranged for the substitution of speedy Maccabeus for a slower 3-year- old named Running Rein.

   1953 August 24, “Laughing HorsesT”, in LIFE, volume 35, number 8, page 36