An old British criminal slang term for a thief who specifically targeted churches — robbing from the collection plate, stealing candlesticks, or making off with anything not bolted down in a place of worship. 'Kirk' is the Scottish and Northern English word for church, and 'buzzer' was thieves' cant for a pickpocket or pilferer. The word is long obsolete but has a certain roguish charm that keeps it popping up in historical crime writing and Victoriana.
The old records described him as a known kirkbuzzer who had robbed four parishes before he was caught.
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(UK, archaic) A robber who preys on churches.
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