stool pigeon
English edit
Etymology edit
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 edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun edit
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 edit
decoy
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References edit
- 2005: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 17th ed. Edited by John Ayto.