thimbleriggers

/ˈθɪmbəlˌrɪɡərz/
noun
  1. People who cheat others in a game where a small object is hidden under one of three cups or thimbles that are moved around quickly.
    • My grandfather warned me to stay away from thimbleriggers at the fair because their game is a scam.
    • The thimbleriggers set up their table on the busy street corner, hoping to trick tourists.
    • Police arrested the thimbleriggers after several people complained about losing money.
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