picklock

[pik-lok]

noun

1. a person who picks a lock, especially a burglar.

2. a thief.

3. an instrument for picking a lock; lockpick.

picklock

/ ˈpɪkˌlɒk /

noun

1. a person who picks locks, esp one who gains unlawful access to premises by this means

2. an instrument for picking locks

Word History and Origins

Origin of picklock¹

First recorded in 1545–55; pick ¹ + lock ¹

Example Sentences

United do not have a picklock with the tight technical skills to undo a massed defence – something that draws questions, again, about Pogba, a player who seems in danger of falling into the Steven Gerrard trap of being neither one thing nor the other.

Read more on The Guardian

It was renowned for its impregnability, having survived any number of picking attempts; in one trial, a notorious London picklock, given a chance at a pardon if he could crack Chubb’s masterwork, testified “that these locks were the most secure he had ever met with, and that he did not think it possible for any man to pick or open them with any false instruments whatever.”

Read more on Slate

Picklock Holes was of course one of the guests.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Had it not been for the unparalleled coolness and sagacity of Picklock Holes the results might have been fraught with disaster to many distinguished families, but the acumen of Holes saved the situation and the family-plate, and restored the peace of mind of one of the best fellows in the world.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The story I am about to tell will show my extraordinary friend, Picklock Holes, on an even higher pinnacle of unmatchable acumen than that which fame has hitherto assigned to him.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crook 
• robber 
• thief