Rogues Gallery
/ˈroʊɡz ˌɡæl.ə.ri/noun
A collection of photographs or pictures of known criminals, or a group of suspicious or disreputable people.
Did you know?The phrase rose in 19th-century police slang for a displayed set of criminal photographs, turning identity itself into a public warning system.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
English
rogue
“A vagrant, dishonest, or deceitful person”
19th Century
English
rogues gallery
“A police display of photographs of known criminals”
Modern English
English
rogues gallery
“A collection of criminal photos or a group of shady, suspicious people”
Middle English
English
rogue
“A beggar or wandering vagrant”
Unknown
English
gallery
“A room or space for display or walking”