The act of frequenting shops.--Jodrell's Philology. This very useful word is not noticed by Dr. Johnson; and Mr. Todd calls it a cant word of modern origin.
For those the hour of retirement is three, which gives, till noon the day, nine hours tor rest; and after that sufficient time for a ride, auctions, or shopping, before the dinner hour.--Hawkins, Life of Johnson, p. 261.
What between shopping, and morning visits with mamma, &c., I contrive to amuse myself tolerably.--Cœlebs, Vol. I. p. 356.
Mr. Smoothiy was the very prince of retailers. His store was the great shopping mart--or perhaps the great shopping theatre; for the goods were rather exhibited than sold. The ladies, too, while examining the merchandise, had a chance of exhibiting themselves to the lounging beaux, and thus under pretence of shopping, might possibly make a market for themselves.--Perils of Pearl Street, p. 26.