nobble

/ˈnɑbəl/
verb
  1. To prevent a horse from winning a race, especially by giving it drugs or injuring it.
    • Someone tried to nobble the horse by putting something in its feed.
    • The trainer was caught trying to nobble the favorite before the big race.
    • The scandal involved a plan to nobble several horses at the track.
  2. To influence or persuade someone dishonestly, often by bribery or threats.
    • They attempted to nobble the referee by offering him money.
    • The company tried to nobble the inspector to overlook the safety violations.
    • The politician was accused of trying to nobble the jury before the trial.
  3. To steal or take something, especially in a sneaky way.
    • Someone nobbled my wallet while I was on the crowded bus.
    • The thief nobbled the painting right from under the guard's nose.
    • He managed to nobble a few extra cookies from the jar when no one was looking.