One who detects and captures a thief; spec. one of a company who undertook the detection and arrest of thieves.

figurative. One who makes it his business to scent out or hunt down; a spy or informer; a constable, sheriff's officer, bailiff.

(a) one who catches thieves; = thief-taker, n.; (b) a device used formerly in apprehending thieves.

A person who pursues someone or something with (ruthless) tenacity.

transferred. A keen investigator or pursuer; a tracker; U.S. a detective.

U.S. slang. Also with lower-case initial. A detective; a private eye. Cf. dick, n.4 Now rare.

An inquisitive or nosy person. Also: spec. a detective.