Green’s Dictionary of Slang

in financial difficulties.

1857		‘Ducange Anglicus’ Vulgar Tongue 13: Fast Not to fast, not to want money. ‘Well, now, if you are fast, come to me.’ Gen.
1864, 1867, 1870		Hotten Sl. Dict.
1889–90		Barrère & Leland Dict. of Sl., Jargon and Cant.
1890–1904		Farmer & Henley Sl. and Its Analogues.