E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bilker (A).
A person who gives a cabman less than his fare, and, when remonstrated with, gives a false name and address. Sometimes a “bilker” gets out and says, “Cabby, I shall be back in a minute,” turns the corner and is no more seen.
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“The time for taking out a summons expires in seven days, and it often takes longer than that to hunt a ‘bilker’ down.”—Nineteenth Century (March, 1893, p. 177).
Also a cabman who does not pay the owner for the cab.
