To lift one’s hand (elbow, little finger, etc.), verb. phr.
(common).—To drink. Also see Leg, ante. For synonyms see Drinks.—Grose
(1823).
To lift hair, verb. phr. (American).—To scalp.
1848. Ruxton, Life in the Far West, 23. Lift as much hair as they
could.
1868. Congressional Report, 17 Aug. The Arrapahoes were not after
stealing cattle but after lifting hair.
On the lift, adv. phr. (American).—On the move; ready to depart.
Lifter, subs. (old).—1. A thief. See Lift, subs., sense 1.