Piccaninny  (Pickaninny,  Pinka-
ninny,  etc.).  A  baby,  child  :  speci-
fically (modern)  a  child  of  negro
parents.  [Originally  from  pink  (an
endearment),  small:  see  Pigsney.]
(1696).
Pick.  1.  To  shoot,  fling  (1530).
2.  To  pilfer,  choose  thievishly  :  also
piekeer,  but,  usually,  to  pick  and  cut
(or  to  pick  pockets).  As  subs,  (or
picking),  petty  larceny :  cf.  (Prayer
Book)  Keep  my  hands  from  picking
and  stealing.  Hence  picker  (picker
up  or  pickeerer),  (1)  a  petty  thief;
(2)  in  pL,  the  fingers.  The  same
idea  (stealthy,  underhand)  occurs  in
Pickpenny,  Pickthank,  Pickpurse,  etc.
