GANGSTER, a member of a group or gang operating in the overcrowded sections of any large American community and par ticipating in criminal practice for financial gain. Originally the gangster was hardly more than a rowdy—the product of indolence and drink—who started on a career of idleness and petty thiev ery. Joining a gang, he learned the tactics of gang warfare, strug gling with fists and stones to help his gang gain supremacy over other rival groups. Early in the present century the gangster became the paid agent of the unscrupulous politician of the period, who was quick to recognize his value in carrying out his schemes without incrimination. Gang weapons changed during this time to clubs and blackjacks, and the gangster became a recognized element in the lower strata of big city life. Drug traffic and later silk and fur stealing became popular outlets for his energies. In labour unrest he became a notable factor. The employment of gunmen to help foment labour troubles, the hiring of strong-arm men by the employers to protect "scabs" and by the unions to intimidate and maltreat the strike-breakers is a chapter in the history of labour conditions. These professional "sluggers" used their dull periods for more peaceful diversions, such as picking pockets and snatching purses. When pistols came into general use the element of terror in gang methods increased.
The argot of gangdom is distinctive. A "cold meat party" is a gathering of gangsters to pay tribute to a comrade who has been "rubbed out" (killed). "Packing a rod" is carrying a gun, and electrocution, the fate which is potentially the meed of every gangster, is known as "baking" or "frying." A "gun Moll" is a woman who carries the weapons of a gangster, a "stool pigeon" an agent who is in the paid employ of an influential leader and who acts as his confidential aide in all delicate commissions. His position is particularly dangerous since he is open to overtures from hostile factions and his services can usually be bought by the highest bidder.
See F. H. Allport, Social Psychology (Boston, 1924) ; C. E. Mer riam, New Aspects of Politics (Chicago, 19a 5) ; P. H. Furfey, The Gang Age (1926) ; F. M. Thrasher, The Gang (1927) ; and H. Asbury, The Gangs of New York (1928) .