The New International Encyclopædia/Fast and Loose

FAST AND LOOSE. The name of a cheating game, also called pricking at the belt, which appears to have been much practiced by the gypsies in the time of Shakespeare. The following is a description: &ldquo;A leathern belt is made up into a number of intricate folds, and placed edgewise upon a table. One of the folds is made to resemble the middle of a girdle, so that whoever shall thrust a skewer into it would think he held it fast to the table; whereas, when he has so done, the person with whom he plays may take hold of both ends and draw it away.&rdquo;