angler

Noun

angler (plural anglers)

1. A person who fishes with a hook and line.
   • A throng of anglers lined the trout stream on opening day of trout season.

   Synonyms:

   fisher, fisherman

2. An anglerfish, Lophius piscatorius.
   • The angler lured a smaller fish into reach with the appendage on its head.
3. Someone who tries to work an angle; a person who schemes or has an ulterior motive.
   • Jonas was a consummate angler when it came the company's leave policy; he had it figured so he only needed to work six months out of the year.

   Synonyms:

   conniver, grifter, schemer, swindler

4. (UK, archaic, thieves' cant) A thief who uses a hooked stick to steal goods out of shop-windows, grates, etc.
   • They are sure to be clyd in the night by the angler, or hooker, or such like pilferers that liue upon the spoyle of other poore people.c. 1608–1610, Samuel Rid, Martin Mark-all, Beadle of Bridewell
   • Rogue or rascal, frater, maunderer, / Irish Toyle, or other wanderer; / No dimber damber, angler, dancer, / Prig of cackler, prig of prancer1834, William Harrison Ainsworth, Rookwood, volume 2, Oath of the Canting Crew, pages 339–340

   Synonyms:

   hooker, nuthook