nuthook
nounEtymology From nut + hook.
1
A hook on a pole to pull down boughs for gathering nuts.
2
Obsolete A thief who steals by means of a hook.
3
Obsolete A bailiff who metaphorically hooks or seizes malefactors; a policeman; a constable.
- Nuthook, nuthook, you lie.c. 1596–1599, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, act 5, scene 4:
- Synonyms
- angler, hooker, police officer
- Related terms
- gaff, panking pole
- Hypernyms
- thief