poker (3)

[A corrupt. of Eng. post and paire, through the contracted form Po'per.] A favorite gambling game at cards in this country. pōk-er-Ish (1), a. [Eng. poker (1); -ish.] Stiff, like a poker. pōk-er-Ish (2), adj . [Eng. poker (2): -ish.] Frightful; causing fear, especially to children. pōk-ing, pr par . & a . [PΟΚΕ, ν.] A. As pr . par .: (See the verb.) B. As adj .: Paltry, mean, servile, petty. "Bred to some poking profe ion." -Gray: Works, vol ii., let. 36.