pickpocket

[pik-pok-it] /ˈpɪkˌpɒk ɪt/
noun
1.
a person who steals money, wallets, etc., from the pockets of people, as in crowded public places.
verb (used with object)
2.
to steal (a wallet, money, etc.) in the manner of a pickpocket.
3.
to steal from (a person) in the manner of a pickpocket.
Origin
1585-95; pick1 + pocket
Examples from the web for pickpocket
  • Then there is a flash of a pickpocket and out of a window comes a supposedly empty wallet.
  • If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible.
  • In general, crimes against persons dropped, but there was a major increase in pickpocket incidents.
British Dictionary definitions for pickpocket

pickpocket

/ˈpɪkˌpɒkɪt/
noun
1.
a person who steals from the pockets or handbags of others in public places
Word Origin and History for pickpocket
n.

also pick-pocket, 1590s, from pick (v.) + pocket (n.). Earlier was pick-purse (late 14c.). As a verb from 1670s.