Episode 156: Beggars, Cheats and Thieves
The History of English Podcast
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What Is a Cheat?
In the 15 hundreds, it was still common for people to wear their purse as a separate pouch. Skilful thieves mastered the art of cutting those purse strings while the person was distracted. Other slang terms for a cut purse included a snap or a cloiner. To nip a bong meant to steal a purse by cutting the string that secured it. And saint paul's cathedral became a haven for pickpockets and other thieves.
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