Q.
What are some lesser used or vintage words for the world of spies and detectives?

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A.

Wannabe Nancy Drew/Hercule Poirot/Sherlock Holmes to the books …

Argute
Shrewd

Birdwatcher
A spy

Cannon-Shooter
A private investigator who specializes in tracking down pickpockets

Chicken Feed
The real but ultimately harmless intelligence given to the enemy to feign allegiance

Cobbler
Spies who cook up fake papers, passports, visas

Creephole
Subterfuge

Cryptonym
A secret or code name

Cutout
The middle-person in an undercover operation

Dry Clean
Efforts taken to see if one is being watched

Elbow
A detective

Enambush
To hide, waiting to pounce

Flaps and Seals
The work of quietly sneaking in and out of envelopes

Glims
Spectacles. Candles

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Hawkshaw
A detective

Intelligencer
A person used to carry messages between designated people

Music Box
A hidden radio

Quizzing Glass
A long-handled magnifying glass allowing the viewer a close-up view

Shamus
A private investigator

Spiery
Being a spy; the act of spying

Spyboats
As advertised. A boat used by spies to gather intelligence.

Tec
Early 19^th Century robber slang for detectives

Thief Leader
A person whose job is to hunt down and catch thieves

Tiggy
A private investigator

Ugglesome
Something horridly frightening

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Image 2: Tom Adams’ cover for Agatha Christies Cards on the Table