# thief knot

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. a knot for tying together two ends of rope; similar to a reef knot, but with the tails (short ends) on opposite sides; weaker than a reef knot

## Etymology
Supposedly used as a theft-detection system; thieves would retie bags with a more common reef knot, revealing the theft.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/thief-knot