hide binders (high binders)

[Jonathon Green]

This seems very feasible. Luc Sante in _Low Life_ (1991; paperback, p.
200) also mentions the 'Hide Binders', who he states were an early New
York gang, composed of butchers' boys. It may be that the Chinese
'highbinder' has a discrete origin: thus Asbury _Barbary Coast_ (1933)
185: 'The _boo how doy_, popularly known as hatchetmen or highbinders,
received regular salaries, with extra pay for exceptional bravery in
battle.' Asbury discusses them at length in the succeeding pages but
essays no further etymology. 'Boo how doy' literally, at least in his
translation, means 'fighting men'.

Jonathon Green