crookery
(ˈkrʊkərɪ)
[f. crook n. 13 + -ery 2.]
The state or condition of being a crook; the dealings or behaviour of crooks; the world of crooks (see crook n. 13).
| 1927 Observer 15 May 15/2, I do not call it good ‘crookery’ when the situation can only be made by turning out the light. 1928 Daily Express 22 June 10/3 If a boy came to me and said: ‘I have received a call to crookery.’ 1949 ‘J. Tey’ Brat Farrar x. 81 A very..intelligent crook. On the highest level of crookery. 1962 ‘E. Ferrars’ Busy Body vi. 67 They probably want to use you as an alibi for Tom while Tom's up to crookery of some sort. 1967 M. Stand Diana is Dead vii. 104 ‘You seem to know a lot about crookery,’ the sergeant said. |