thievish

adj

Etymology: From Middle English thevysch, equivalent to thief + -ish. Cognate with Saterland Frisian däifsk (“thievish”), Dutch diefs (“thievish”), German Low German deevsk (“thievish”), German diebisch (“thievish”).

1. Having a tendency to steal.

   “I tel you true my hart is ſwolne with wrath, On this ſame theeuish villain Tamburlain. And of that false Coſroe, my traiterous brother, Would it not grieue a King to be so abuſ’d? And haue a thouſand horſmen tane away?”

2. Having the manner of a thief; furtive; stealthy.

   “What, wouldst thou have me go and beg my food, Or with a base and boist'rous sword enforce A thievish living on the common road?”