obsolete The leader of a male band of thieves or gypsies. The arch cove kept the audience dazzled and distracted while his gang went through and pickpocketed the crowd.
obsolete A stylish and well-groomed man who is spendthrift with his money and means. "Bang up" is an obsolete slang word for being extravagant or very fine, and "cove" is a British slang word for a man. My word, that dashing gentleman is certainly a bang-up cove; he has purchased food and drink for all of the patrons in the tavern.