stool pigeon

== English == === Etymology === From the act of tying or even nailing a pigeon to a stool to act as a decoy by hunters. Alternatively, from an alteration of stale (“decoy”) +‎ pigeon. === Pronunciation === === Noun === stool pigeon (plural stool pigeons) (originally) A pigeon tied to a stool by a piece of twine, used as a decoy to entice free-flying birds to the ground to be shot or trapped. (slang, obsolete, gambling) A decoy used in a crooked gambling game. (slang) An informer to the authorities, especially one who gives up criminal associates. Synonyms: stoolie, stooly; see also Thesaurus:informant ==== Translations ==== === References === 2005: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 17th ed. Edited by John Ayto. === Anagrams === not-pologies, notpologies