Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Ring-Dropping

A trick variously practiced, one mode is as follows, the circumstances being taken from 2 East, P. 0. 678: The prisoner, with accomplices, being with thelr victim, pretend to find a ring wrapped in paper, appearing to be a jeweler’s receipt for a “rich, brilliant diamond ring.” They offer to leave the ring with the victim lf he will deposit some money and his watch as a security. IIe lays down his watch and money, is beckoned out of the room by one of the confederates, while the others take away his watch, etc. This is a larceny

Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)