Cutpurses

/ˈkʌtˌpɜrsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cutpurse; multiple thieves or pickpockets, especially those who used cutting techniques to steal purses.

Etymology

Regular plural of cutpurse formed by adding '-s.' The base word combines 'cut' with 'purse' to describe a specific criminal technique.

Kelly Says

In Shakespeare's time, cutpurses were so infamous that they had their own slang language and signals to coordinate thefts in crowded theaters—audiences were often more worried about cutpurses than about missing the actual play!

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