Word Origin & History
thiefO.E. þeof, from P.Gmc. *theubaz (cf. O.Fris. thiaf, O.S. thiof, M.Du. dief, O.H.G. diob, Ger. dieb, O.N. þiofr, Goth. þiufs), probably from PIE *teup- (cf. Lith. tupeti "to crouch down").
thieveO.E. þeofian, from þeof (see
thief). Rare in O.E., not common until 17c. Thievish "of or pertaining to thieves" is recorded from mid-15c.; meaning "inclined to steal" is from 1530s. Thieving first attested 1520s. Thievery is from 1560s.