Toby mush

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

Toby mush (plural Toby mushes)

1. (UK) An assistant to a Toby on a street market.
   • 1994, George Evans, Shropshire's Wonderful Markets, →ISBN, page 85:

     He has a 'Toby mush' or assistant who collects tolls for the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough (District) Council who control the general market, also called the pannier market, which I understand is a profitable business.

   • 2010, Howard Jacobson, The Mighty Walzer, →ISBN, page 82:

     According to market mythology, the Toby Mush who went from stall to stall in policemen's boots, with a clinking leather rent-collector's bag on his shoulder, deciding who who got to stand where at Stockport, was afflicted with a blind eye and a bent right arm, so many backhanders did he take possession of on market days.