noun
Pinkerton
PIHNG-kuh-tuhn
noun
1
A private investigator or security agent, especially one historically employed to break strikes or guard property.
"The mine owners hired Pinkertons to stand guard during the strike."
"Old newspapers described the Pinkertons as ruthless enforcers for hire."
How to Use Pinkerton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hired private detective or security guard, from the famous 19th-century agency.
Common pairings
hire Pinkertons
a Pinkerton agent
Word Forms
Pinkertons plural, Pinkertons plural
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The mine owners hired _____ to stand guard during the strike.
Etymology
Named after Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884), the Scottish-American detective who founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago.