holder-up

Has it occurred to some of you that the average burglar or mugger, or carjacker, or holder-up of convenience stores and gas stations, or barroom brawler, or drug dealer, or scammer is also very likely to re-offend?

"American taxpayers are funding a lavishly appointed hospital in which hundreds of child molesters and rapists can idle their days away." Ann Althouse 2009

‘Christ,’ he said to his holder-up, ‘this is a bloody caper, no mistake.’

Ruined City Shute, Nevil, 1899-1960 1951

Two boys were stationed at the fire or portable forge, and one with the holder-up.

Man on the Ocean A Book about Boats and Ships R. [Illustrator] Richardson 1859

The holder-up immediately placed his heavy hammer against the head of the rivet, and held it firmly there, while the two riveters assailed it in front with alternate blows, until the countersunk part of the hole was filled up, after which the protruding head was cut off smooth with the plate, the whole operation scarce occupying a minute.

Man on the Ocean A Book about Boats and Ships R. [Illustrator] Richardson 1859

The riveting men were arranged in gangs, each gang consisting of two riveters, one holder-up, and three boys.

Man on the Ocean A Book about Boats and Ships R. [Illustrator] Richardson 1859

In riveting the double part of the ship the holder-up and his boy were necessarily in the interior part of the tubes, and passed the whole day in the narrow space between, (of two feet ten inches wide), in comparative darkness, having only the glimmer afforded by a single dip candle, and being immediately under the deafening blows of the riveters.

Man on the Ocean A Book about Boats and Ships R. [Illustrator] Richardson 1859