cattle-lifter

A cattle-lifter steals a cow from a field at night.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who steals livestock: "cattle-lifter" refers to an individual who steals cattle or other farm animals, typically for resale or personal gain. This term is often used in rural or agricultural contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The local sheriff was called to investigate the cattle-lifter who had taken several cows from the Johnson farm. (A person who steals cows or other livestock.)
  • In the old West, a cattle-lifter was often a notorious outlaw feared by ranchers. (A thief specializing in stealing cattle.)

Advanced Usage

• "cattle-lifting" (noun): the act or practice of stealing livestock.
  • Cattle-lifting was a common crime during times of economic hardship. (The theft of farm animals.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cattle (noun): domesticated bovine animals, such as cows, raised for meat or milk.

  • The farmer owned a large herd of cattle. (A group of cows or bulls.)

• Lifter (noun): a person who steals; a thief.

  • The lifter was caught trying to take the farmer's horse. (A person who steals.)

Synonyms

• Rustler: a person who steals livestock, especially cattle.

  • The rustler was arrested after a chase across the prairie. (A cattle thief.)

• Horse thief: a person who steals horses; a specific type of livestock thief.

Related Idioms

• To be a cattle-lifter: to engage in the theft of livestock.
  • He was known to be a cattle-lifter, always sneaking onto ranches under cover of night. (To habitually steal cattle.)