tec

[ tek ]

See synonyms for tec on Thesaurus.com

nounSlang.

detective (def. 1).

Origin of tec

First recorded in 1875–80; by shortening

Words Nearby tec

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tec in a sentence

Today, the Yeomen of the Guard continue this historic search, in addition to more hi-tec security checks by police.
Queen Opens Parliament Today in Colorful Ancient Ceremony | Tom Sykes | May 9, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
"That's my secret," he ses, arter the tec 'ad patted 'im on the back and brought 'im round.
Sailor's Knots (Entire Collection) | W.W. Jacobs
Sam said 'e would, and arter they had 'ad another drink together the tec shifted 'is seat alongside of 'im and talked in his ear.
Sailor's Knots (Entire Collection) | W.W. Jacobs
It is most secretive in its habits, usually betraying its whereabouts by its sharp call-note of tec or tac.
Among the Birds in Northern Shires | Charles Dixon
At the word 'tec,' George's face went deadly pale, and he sprang from his seat.
Rogues and Vagabonds | George R. Sims

When did you become employed by or connected with the tec, as you call it?
Warren Commission (10 of 26): Hearings Vol. X (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for tec (1 of 2)

tec

'tec

/ (tɛk) /

noun

informal short for detective

British Dictionary definitions for TEC (2 of 2)

TEC

/ (tɛk) /

n acronym for(in Britain)

Training and Enterprise Council: See Training Agency

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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