# abigeus

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abigeus
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who steals or kills animals, especially horses or cattle. This is an old word used in legal history.

For teachers: a person who commits the crime of cattle or horse stealing. Historically used in legal contexts to distinguish between different types of theft.

## Examples

- The abigeus was caught near the farm.
- In the 18th century, the abigeus was often treated as a serious criminal who threatened the local economy.
- The legal treatise describes the abigeus as a specific category of thief who targets livestock, often requiring a specialized investigation to prove the intent to steal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.