General
autem
What does autem mean?
An 'autem diver' — a pickpocket who worked the crowds inside churches, dipping pockets during the service.
"The autem diver waited for the heads to bow, then went to work."
Origin
Recorded by Harman (1566) and in later glossaries (B.E. 1699, Grose 1785). 'Autem' for church anchors the compounds 'autem mort' (married woman) and 'autem diver' (church pickpocket); its further origin is uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
What does autem mean in thieves' cant?
A church — the canting word recorded by Harman (1566), the root of 'autem mort' and 'autem diver'.
What is an autem diver?
A pickpocket who worked church congregations, dipping pockets while heads were bowed in prayer.
Why was a married woman an autem mort?
Because she was wed in the autem (church); the marriage gave her the name.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
