yegg

[ yeg ]

noun

, Older Slang.

1. a safecracker.
2. an itinerant burglar.
3. thug ( def 1 ).

yegg

/ jɛɡ /

noun

1. slang.
   a burglar or safe-breaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of yegg¹

First recorded in 1925–30, Americanism; of obscure origin; the proposals that the word is from German Jäger “hunter” or that it is the surname of a well-known safecracker are both very dubious

Word History and Origins

Origin of yegg¹

C20: perhaps from the surname of a burglar

Example Sentences

He duly canvassed every likely dive, every “melina,” every gambling house and yegg hang out.

From Project Gutenberg

An American yegg would have laughed at it, opened 73 it as easily as a ripe peach; but in this district it was absolute security.

From Project Gutenberg

At the moment the missile flew from Peter's hand, the yegg steadied himself and fired.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a yegg of some kind scouting around Nora's house; and the same lad also took some observations of the place at Stanwick.

From Project Gutenberg

He duly canvassed every likely dive, every "melina," every gambling house and yegg hang out.

From Project Gutenberg