thievish, theevish, thevish

[English thief: -ish.] 1. Given to stealing; addicted to the practice of theft. "The name of the Ladrones commemorates the lo es of Magalhaen's crew from the thievish propensities of the natives." Taylor: Words and Places (ed. 1878), ch. ii. 2. Partaking of the nature of theft; as a thievish practice. *3. Given to, characterized by, or accompanied with robbery. "With a base and boist'rous sword enforce A thievish living on the common road." Shakesp.: As You Like It , ii. 3. 4. Frequented or infested by thieves or robbers. "Walk in thievish ways." Shakesp.: Romeo and Juliet , iv. 1. 5. Acting or working by stealth; sly, secret. "Corruption's thievish arts, And ruffian force, began to sap the mounds And majesty of laws." Thomson: Liberty , iii. 399. thiev-Ish-ly, thiev-ish-lye, adv . [English thievish; -ly.] In a thievish manner; like a thief; by theft. ( Cowper : Task , v. 67.)