Dickens was boldly innovating when he made Silas Wegg say, "Mr. boffin, I never bargain"-"haggle," it would seem, is the proper word.
"America To-day, Observations and Reflections"
William Archer
When Mr. and Mrs. boffin were adopting Johnnie from Betty Higden's care, the brave old woman said: "If I could have kept the dear child without the dread that's always upon me of his coming to that fate I have spoken of, I could never have parted with him, even to you.
"Dickens As an Educator"
James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes
In Our Mutual Friend Betty Higden and Mrs. boffin are given as true types of the proper spirit of adulthood toward childhood.
"Dickens As an Educator"
James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes