Grafter came into use earlier, dating to the middle of the 19th century, initially with the primary meaning of “thief.” A thief is not only a “cross” man, but also a “grafter.” ... Both words were used initially to refer to some kind of thief.

What does grafter mean in slang?

(slang) Someone who works in market stalls.

What does grafting mean in British slang?

In much rainier England, graft is used informally to describe working hard. Graft as an official definition is the act of putting in, like grafting a plant shoot, originating in the late 15th century.