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hoister

What does hoister mean?

A hoister is a shoplifter, one who 'hoists' goods from shops and counters. It is an older synonym for booster.

"The floorwalker had an eye for hoisters working the jewelry counter."

Origin

British/American cant; from 'hoist,' to lift or steal.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 'hoister'?
A hoister is a shoplifter, someone who 'hoists' goods from shops and counters. It is an older synonym for booster.
Where does 'hoister' come from?
It is British and American cant, from 'hoist' meaning to lift or steal.
What is the difference between a hoister and a booster?
They mean much the same thing, a shoplifter. Hoister is the older cant term, while booster became the more common American word.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.