— bilker , n.
/bilk/ , v.t.
1. to defraud; cheat: He bilked the government of almost a million dollars.
2. to evade payment of (a debt).
3. to frustrate: a career bilked by poor health.
4. to escape from; elude: to bilk one's pursuers.
n.
5. a cheat; swindler.
6. a trick; fraud; deceit.
[ 1625-35; of obscure orig. ]
Syn. 1. swindle, trick, dupe, fleece, rook.