\Cut"purse`\ (k[u^]t"p[^u]rs`), n.
One who cuts purses for the sake of stealing them or their
contents (an act common when men wore purses fastened by a
string to their girdles); one who steals from the person; a
pickpocket

      To have an open ear, a quick eye, and a nimble hand, is
      necessary for a cutpurse.                --Shak.