1883. James Payn, The Canon’s Ward, viii. ‘A mugger, that’s what he
is,’ said the other, contemptuously; a mugger—a comprehensive term
understood to include all persons with an ambition for University
distinction.
3. (theatrical).—A comedian whose best point is grimace. Also
mug-faker.
1892. National Observer, 27 Feb., p. 379. None had ever a more
expressive viznomy than this prince of muggers. He can say more
with his eyebrow than the common tragedian with the full resources
of his double-bass.