fencing-ken
Definition
Noun (archaic slang): A place where stolen goods are received and stored. This term was historically used in criminal or underworld contexts to refer to a hideout or depot used by thieves and fences (those who trade in stolen property).
Usage Examples
- (The authorities searched the secret storage location for stolen items.)
- (He was caught running a hidden depot for stolen goods.)
Advanced Usage
- "fencing-ken" is a compound of "fencing" (the act of dealing in stolen goods) and "ken" (a house or place of shelter in old slang). It is now considered obsolete and found primarily in historical or literary works about crime.
- Example in historical context: (The warehouse served as their secret storage and distribution point for stolen items.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fence (n): a person who buys and sells stolen goods.
- The fence paid the thieves a fraction of the items' true value. (The dealer in stolen property gave the thieves little money.)
- Ken (n, archaic): a house or lodging, especially a disreputable one.
- He sought shelter in a low ken near the docks. (He found a rough lodging place by the waterfront.)
Synonyms
- Stash house: a hidden location for storing illegal items.
- Loot depot: a place where stolen goods are kept.
- Crib (slang): a hideout or safe house.
Related Idioms (historical)
- "To keep a fencing-ken": to operate a secret storage for stolen property.
- The old innkeeper was suspected of keeping a fencing-ken for local thieves. (The innkeeper was thought to run a hidden depot for stolen goods.)
Note: This term is not used in modern English and is restricted to historical or criminal slang contexts.