stool pigeon

Meaning

Noun

  • 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.
  • A decoy used in a crooked gambling game.
  • An informer to the authorities, especially one who gives up criminal associates.

Origin

  • From the act of tying or even nailing a pigeon to a stool to act as a decoy for hunters.

Modern English dictionary

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