Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a receiver of stolen goods; thus angling, receiving stolen goods.

a.1790		H.T. Potter New Dict. Cant (1795).
1809		G. Andrewes Dict. Sl. and Cant.
1821		Flash Dict.
1835		G. Kent Modern Flash Dict.
1848		Flash Dict. in Sinks of London Laid Open.
c.1850		Duncombe New and Improved Flash Dict. n.p.: Angling receiving stolen goods and pawning them, or otherwise disposing of the pilfered articles. [Ibid.] angling cove a receiver of stolen goods.
1890–1904		Farmer & Henley Sl. and Its Analogues.