Fast and Loose

Fast and Loose, the name of a cheating game, also called Pricking at the Belt, which appears to have been much practised by the Gypsies in the time of Shakespeare. The following is Brand's description: '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.' The game is still practised at fairs, races, and similar meetings under the name of Prick the Garter; the original name, in the phrase 'to play fast and loose,' has gone into the language to designate the conduct of those whose easy ethics do not forbid them to say one thing and do another. See Book XIII. chap. xxix. of Reginald Scot, The Discourie of Witchcraft (1584).