ˈtheftˌbōt noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of thefbote, from Middle English, from thef thief + bote compensation — more at thief , boot (help)
old Eng & Scots law : the offense of agreeing to receive stolen goods or a compensation from a thief whether by the owner by way of composition or by a judge as an inducement for conniving at the escape of the thief from punishment