Thieves'-vinegar

a kind of aromatic vinegar for the sick-room, taking its name from the story that thieves, by using it, were enabled to plunder, with impunity to health, in the great plague at London. [Eng.] Simmonds.

Synonyms— Robber; pilferer. — THIEF, ROBBER. A thief takes our property by stealth; a robber attacks us openly, and strips us by main force. The robber braves the laws; the thief endeavors to evade them. “An active police may prevent the frequent occurrence of robbery; but thieves are more difficult to catch than robbers.” Graham. Take heed, have open eyes, for thieves do foot by night. Shak.

Some roving robber calling to his fellows. Milton.