17(?). Scots Ballad. I’ll clout my Johnnie’s grey breeks For a’ the
ill he’s done me yet.
1785. Burns, The Jolly Beggars. In vain they searched when off I
marched To go and clout the caudron.
Clouter, subs. (old).—A pickpocket—especially one who steals
handkerchiefs. [From clout, sense 2 (q.v.), a pocket-handkerchief, +
er.] Cf., Clouting, sense 2. For synonyms, see Stook-hauler.
1839. W. H. Ainsworth, J. Sheppard, p. 158, ed. 1840. Near to these
hopeful youths sat a fence, or receiver, bargaining with a clouter,
or pickpocket.
Clouting, verbal subs. (common). 1. A beating, basting, or tanning
(q.v. for synonyms).—See also Baste.