finger man

plural finger men · alternative fingerman

1. USslangSomeone who identifies or points out a target for a criminal to rob, harm, or kill.

   I employed Lawrence Craigie as my vice finger man. I have told the men on the squad not to bust him. He is a good snitch.

   1984, James Ellroy, Blood On The Moon, page 221

   2 more examples

   A thoughtful five-minute silence followed this cultural exchange, ended by the entrance of a small, silky party who was evidently a combination of finger man, public relations counsel, and court chamberlain.

   1948, S. J. Perelman, Westward Ha! Around The World In 80 Cliches, page 62

   A gaycat is a young punk who runs with an older tramp and there is always a connotation of homosexuality. Again, he could be a 'look-out' (outside man) or a 'finder' (finger or finger man), but that is a derived or occasional meaning and not exact.

   1962, Raymond Chandler, Raymond Chandler Speaking, page 87