ETYMOLOGY
probably from Angloromani (English Romani) mónoshi (woman, wife),
from Romani månuš (man) + -ī (feminine suffix)
EXAMPLE
“…I was standing near the prosecutor’s shew-glass, talking to a young man; the prisoner and another came to the glass, where I saw the medal lying: I saw them point at it; the other said, it would just do for him, and bid the prisoner look who was in the shop; he answered there was a Monisher in the shop; I suppose a cant word for a woman: Mrs. Storey was there: they went in; then I went into the house where I live; they came out in about three or four minutes: I went after them to the corner, and saw them running along Leicester-fields as fast as they could: I came back, and asked Mrs. Storey whether that medal was gold? she said it was she looked, and it was gone…”
From: The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court
18th September, 1765
Lexicophilia 