stouthrief
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun In Scots law, theft accompanied by violence; robbery; burglary. The term is usually applied in cases in which robbery is committed within a dwelling-house.
Examples
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‘Deforcement — spulzie-stouthrief — masterful rescue!’ exclaimed Peter Peebles, scandalized at the resistance offered to the law in the person of Nicholas Faggot.
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Thou canst frame locks and bars to defend the property of the weak against the stouthrief and oppression of the strong.
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A recent number of the Pall Mall Gazette says that in Scotland there are about 24 different crimes for which the legal punishment is death. Among these 'hamesucken,' or burglary; 'stouthrief,' or robbery; theft amounting to furtum grave that is, accompanied by house-breaking, or committed by a thief by habit and repute; or child-stealing. . .and several other offenses.
Note
This word is Scots in origin. 'Stouth' means 'stealth' while 'rief' refers to 'robbery, spoil.'
