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stool pigeon. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
stool pigeon, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
stool pigeon in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
stool pigeon you have here. The definition of the word
stool pigeon will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
stool pigeon, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From the act of tying or even nailing a pigeon to a stool to act as a decoy by hunters. Alternatively, from an alteration of stale (“decoy”) + pigeon.
Pronunciation
Noun
stool pigeon (plural stool pigeons)
- (originally) A pigeon tied to a stool by a piece of twine, used as a decoy to entice free-flying birds to the ground to be shot or trapped.
- (slang, obsolete) A decoy used in a crooked gambling game.
- (slang) An informer to the authorities, especially one who gives up criminal associates.
- Synonyms: stoolie, stooly; see also Thesaurus:informant
Translations
References
- 2005: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 17th ed. Edited by John Ayto.
Anagrams