Autolycus
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English
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek Αὐτόλυκος (Autólukos).
Proper noun
Autolycus
- (Greek mythology) In Ancient Greek mythology, a son of Hermes and Chione. A successful robber, he was capable of changing his own form and that of the goods he stole.
Noun
Autolycus (plural Autolycuses or Autolyci)
- (poetic) A thief or plagiarist.
- 1875, Arthur Crump, The Theory of Stock Exchange Speculation, page 28:
- Each new era of prosperity requires and generally witnesses a new set of ingenious devices to throw dust in the eyes of investors, while the new race of Autolycuses are going through all the old tricks.
- 1886, Macmillan's Magazine, volume 53, page 284:
- However virtuous, however single- minded their intentions, it is but a cruel thing these Autolyci do, these snappers up of unconsidered trifles.