cutpurse Definition
a person who steals from the pockets or purses of others in public places.
Using cutpurse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cutpurse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cutpurse stole my wallet while I was walking in the park.
Example
The police arrested a group of cutpurses who were operating in the crowded market.
Example
She was known to be a cutpurse, so I kept my purse close to me at all times.
cutpurse Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cutpurse
Phrases with cutpurse
Example
The police busted a cutpurse colony that had been operating in the city for months.
cutpurse trick
a technique used by pickpockets to steal from people's pockets or purses without being noticed
Example
The cutpurse trick involves distracting the victim while stealing their wallet.
Example
He learned the cutpurse art from his father, who was a notorious thief.
Origins of cutpurse
from 'cut' meaning 'to separate' and 'purse' meaning 'a small bag for carrying money'
Summary: cutpurse in Brief
'Cutpurse' [kuht-purs] refers to a person who steals from the pockets or purses of others in public places. It is often used interchangeably with 'pickpocket.' The term has spawned phrases like 'cutpurse colony,' 'cutpurse trick,' and 'cutpurse art,' which denote groups of pickpockets, techniques used by them, and the skill or craft of pickpocketing.