subs. phr. (thieves’).—A thief who steals lead, as described under BLUE PIGEON FLYER (q.v.).
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, IV., 26. BLUEY-HUNTERS, or those who purloin lead from the tops of houses.
1856. H. MAYHEW, The Great World of London, 46. ‘BLUEY-HUNTERS,’ who take lead from the tops of houses.
