A person who steals from boats on a river, especially one who uses a boat to move around the river in search of opportunities for theft; frequently with reference to the Hudson River in New York.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Edinburgh Magazine.
Definition of river thief in US English:
river thief
noun
A person who steals from boats on a river, especially one who uses a boat to move around the river in search of opportunities for theft; frequently with reference to the Hudson River in New York.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Edinburgh Magazine.