stool pigeon

noun

1. a pigeon used as a decoy.
2. Also called stool·ie [stoo, -lee], Slang. a person employed or acting as a decoy or informer, especially for the police.

stool pigeon

noun

1. a living or dummy pigeon used to decoy others
2. an informer for the police; nark
3. slang.
   a person acting as a decoy

stool pigeon

1. An informer, especially for the police: “Lefty figured out that Mugsy was the stool pigeon when he saw him talking to the warden.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of stool pigeon¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Idioms and Phrases

A decoy or informer, especially a police spy. For example, Watch out for Doug; I'm sure he's a stool pigeon for the supervisor . This term alludes to a bird tied to a stool or similar perch in order to attract other birds, which will then be shot. However, one writer believes that stool is a variant for stale or stall , both nouns used for a decoy bird before 1500 or so. [c. 1820]

Example Sentences

Between dead drops and TOR, this meant unlike traditional drug rings, no one actually has to meet face-to-face, shielding the operation from undercovers, turncoats and stool pigeons.

From Salon

George Davis is a stool pigeon, an informer and a traitor to the German government.

From Literature

“I didn’t send it to you because I wanted you to direct it. I sent it to you because I wanted you to know what I think of stool pigeons.”

From Los Angeles Times

A local veterinarian confirmed the bird is no stool pigeon, saying “lots of police officers have come by and he’s said nothing.”

From Fox News

If the mafia ever tires of sending stool pigeons to the bottoms of harbors in concrete overshoes, the mob can just tie my cymbal bag around their ankles.

From Washington Post