English Explanatory Dictionary

cutpurse

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A thief who steals from others' purses or pockets in public.

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌtˌpɜːs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cutpurse.wav /ˈkʌtˌpɝs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-cutpurse.wav kŭt′pûrs′

Word forms

cutpurse cutpurses cut-purse

Etymology

From Middle English cutte-purs; equivalent to cut + purse: originally, purses were worn by a strap at the girdle, which the thief would cut.

Synonyms

pickpocket
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