autem diver

plural autem divers

1. archaicidiomaticthieves' cantPickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.

   “You are up to a thing or two,” said he, “and it is a pity to see a fine lad like you nailed to a stall, like a clodpole.” “But how am I to get hold of money otherwise?” “In the same way as I got this,” showing a handful of silver, “by turning autem diver..."

   1823, anonymous author, Tales of My Father, and My Friends