Thimblerig \Thim"ble*rig`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Thimblerigged};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Thimblerigging}.]
To swindle by means of small cups or thimbles, and a pea or
small ball placed under one of them and quickly shifted to
another, the victim laying a wager that he knows under which
cup it is; hence, to cheat by any trick.
[1913 Webster]