fob 1
/fob/ , n.
1. a small pocket just below the waistline in trousers for a watch, keys, change, etc. Cf. watch pocket .
2. a short chain or ribbon, usually with a medallion or similar ornament, attached to a watch and worn hanging from a pocket.
3. the medallion or ornament itself.
[ 1645-55; orig. uncert.; cf. G dial. Fuppe pocket ]
fob 2
/fob/ , v.t., fobbed, fobbing .
1. Archaic. to cheat; deceive.
2. fob off ,
a. to cheat someone by substituting something spurious or inferior; palm off (often fol. by on ): He tried to fob off an inferior brand on us.
b. to put (someone) off by deception or trickery: She fobbed us off with false promises.
[ 1350-1400; ME fobben; c. G foppen to delude; cf. FOB 1 ]