noun
Dated term for a pickpocket, literally 'drawstring-purse cutter'. Refers to a thief who cuts the string of a small pouch (巾着) to steal it. Modern Japanese usually uses スリ.
See also: スリ
昔は巾着切りが多くて、巾着に気をつけなければならなかった。
In the old days, there were many pickpockets, and you had to be careful with your drawstring purse.