English Reference
Idiom idiom

autem diver


Pickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The old church warned visitors to watch out for the autem diver.

CONTEXTUAL

During the crowded Sunday service, the suspicious man acting like an autem diver was escorted out by the staff.

COMPLEX

Historical records describe the autem diver as a cunning thief who preyed upon the pious while they knelt in prayer.


Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    autem cackler

    A Dissenter; a Protestant who is not a follower of the Established Church (i.e. Church of England, Church of Scotland, etc).

  2. 02

    autem mort

    A female beggar with several children hired or borrowed to excite charity.

Last updated August 10, 2026