black hand
noun
often capitalized B&H
: a lawless secret society engaged in criminal activities (such as terrorism or extortion)
blackhander
ˈblak-ˌhan-dər 
noun 
Word History
Etymology
Black Hand, a Sicilian and Italian-American secret society of the late 19th and 20th centuries
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above
blackhander
noun
as in button man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- button man
- gangster
- mobster
- mafioso
- hoodlum
- extortionist
- extortioner
- racketeer
- blackmailer
- chiseller
- ruffian
- cozener
- thug
- swindler
- cheat
- defrauder
- dodger
- gouger
- sharper
- bully
- sharpie
- chiseler
- double-dealer
- cheater
- sharpy
- profiteer
- hustler
- shark