A person that guts letters; i.e. opens them and secretes the money. The kiddey was topped for the poultry rig; the young fellow was hanged for secreting a letter and taking out the contents.
·noun One who deals in poultry. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
Called "Jemmy Ducks" on board ship; he assists the butcher in the feeding and care of the live stock...
The Sailor's Word-Book
One who steals fowls, and hawks them from door to door. ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose