body snatching

noun

1. the act or practice of robbing a grave to obtain a cadaver for dissection.

Word History and Origins

Origin of body snatching¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Thoughts of body-snatching and bizarre surgery flitted through his mind to be instantly dismissed.

From Project Gutenberg

But I was too conscientious to be accessory to the crime of body-snatching, and he had not courage enough to do the foul deed.

From Project Gutenberg

But while the students of the metropolis were active in the body-snatching work, those of Glasgow were following hard behind them.

From Project Gutenberg

You've come a hell of a long way with those boys of yours down at the Lizzie to worry out some body-snatching.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who practised body-snatching were frequently called resurrectionists or resurrection-men.

From Project Gutenberg