stool pigeon
Originally referring to a pigeon used as a decoy in hunting, the term "stool pigeon" evolved to describe an informant, especially in criminal contexts.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Law Enforcement
(slang, disapproving)A person who secretly provides information about criminal activities to the authorities.
Example
- The gang was wary of a stool pigeon in their midst, fearing betrayal.
C1Crime
(slang, disapproving)Someone who betrays their associates by informing on them to the police.
Example
- He was labeled a stool pigeon after he provided evidence against his former partners in crime.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stool pigeon":