peters
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈpitɝz// UK //pˈiːtəz// pe·ters
n. a slang term for safe-crackers or people who break into safes to steal money. It is a very old-fashioned word used in crime stories.
n. a slang term for safe-breakers or professional thieves who specialise in opening safes. Plural form of 'peter', a historical underworld term for a safe or strongbox.
The peters were caught trying to open the bank vault.
In the old detective novel, the gang hired two expert peters to crack the safe before the guards returned.
The narrative details the meticulous preparation of the peters, who used nitroglycerin to breach the heavy iron doors of the merchant's private safe during the height of the Victorian era.
Usage
Plural noun; primarily found in historical British or Australian criminal slang.