"Stool-pigeon" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Stool-pigeon" Meaning

A stool-pigeon refers to an informer or a person who secretly provides information, often for personal gain or under threat. The term is often associated with law enforcement and prisons, where an informer is sometimes a prisoner who cooperates with the authorities in exchange for benefits or a reduced sentence.

In the past, a stool-pigeon was also a slang term for a plover, a type of bird, possibly because of its association with reporting noise or acting as a lookout, much like a human informer.

"Stool-pigeon" Examples

Stool-pigeon Examples

Here are 5 usage examples of the word "stool-pigeon":

1. Informal Slang

The company fired the employee for being a stool-pigeon and revealing sensitive information about the firm to the competitors.

2. Idiomatic Expression

After emigrating to the United States, the taxi driver who had been a stool-pigeon for the local mafia was no longer willing to share any information with them.

3. Nunidomasticism (an old-fashioned term)

In the 1940s, stool-pigeons were common in most prisons and were often used for information gathering.

4. Definition of Stool-pigeon

The stool-pigeon in our town's history is documented in a museum for those who were deceitful turncoats during its early days.

5. Example in Culture

A cautionary tale about a stool-pigeon warns heroes and legendary characters of the dangers associated with seeking praise and reward in social professions.