verb
rook
To cheat someone out of money or possessions.
Dishonest contractors rook unsuspecting homeowners out of their repair deposits.
Etymology
The bird name developed a slang use for a cheat or swindler. The verb then meant to treat people as such a swindler would, especially by taking their money.
More examples
- The seller rooked me out of fifty dollars.
- Tourists sometimes get rooked by unofficial taxi drivers.
- She caught the dealer rooking customers with counterfeit jewelry.
Forms
rook · rooks · rooked · rooking