thieftaker Definition
a person who catches thieves, especially one who is employed to do so.
Using thieftaker: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thieftaker" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In the 18th century, thieftakers were hired by victims of theft to recover stolen goods and bring the thief to justice.
Example
Jonathan Wild was a notorious thieftaker in London during the 18th century.
Example
Thieftakers were often corrupt and would extort money from criminals in exchange for not turning them in.
thieftaker Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for thieftaker
- detective
- investigator
- private eye
Phrases with thieftaker
a high-ranking official responsible for catching thieves and maintaining law and order
Example
Jonathan Wild was appointed as the thieftaker general of London in 1725.
thieftaker's fee
a reward paid to a thieftaker for recovering stolen property or capturing a thief
Example
The thieftaker's fee was usually a percentage of the value of the stolen goods.
thieftaker's oath
an oath taken by a thieftaker promising to uphold the law and not to extort money from criminals
Example
Thieftakers were required to take the thieftaker's oath before they could be licensed to operate.
Summary: thieftaker in Brief
'Thieftaker' [theef-tey-ker] refers to a person who catches thieves, often employed to do so. In the 18th century, thieftakers were hired by victims of theft to recover stolen goods and bring the thief to justice. The term extends into phrases like 'thieftaker general,' denoting a high-ranking official responsible for maintaining law and order, and 'thieftaker's fee,' referring to a reward paid to a thieftaker for recovering stolen property or capturing a thief.