light-fingered

[ lahyt-fing-gerd ]

adjective

1. skillful at or given to pilfering, especially by picking pockets; thievish.
2. having light and nimble fingers.

light-fingered

adjective

1. having nimble or agile fingers, esp for thieving or picking pockets

Derived Forms

• ˌlight-ˈfingeredness, noun

Other Words From

• light-fingered·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of light-fingered¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

His swift, light-fingered touch went through the trousers and vest.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true of a circus, in the wake of which light-fingered gentry are generally to be found.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, light-fingered Lem Wacker was not to be trusted where things lay around loose.

From Project Gutenberg

Clearly not Madame Piper, for she was too fat and heavy to have any light-fingered proclivities.

From Project Gutenberg

Sooner than steal a 'cello, the light-fingered would button his coat over a baby white elephant and let it tusk his vitals.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crooked
• rapacious