- a violent, lawless, or vicious person, especially one who commits a crime such as assault, robbery, or murder: It wasn't uncommon for hired thugs to intimidate shop owners until they paid up.
- one of a former group of professional robbers and murderers in India who strangled their victims.
- a tough and violent man, esp a criminal
- (formerly) a member of an organization of robbers and assassins in India who typically strangled their victims
