black hand
noun
often capitalized B&H
: a lawless secret society engaged in criminal activities (such as terrorism or extortion)
blackhander
ˈblak-ˌhan-dər 
noun 
Word History
Etymology
Black Hand, a Sicilian and Italian-American secret society of the late 19th and 20th centuries
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above
blackhanders
noun
as in gangsters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- gangsters
- mobsters
- button men
- hoodlums
- mafiosi
- extortionists
- racketeers
- blackmailers
- extortioners
- ruffians
- thugs
- chisellers
- double-dealers
- bullies
- swindlers
- cozeners
- dodgers
- defrauders
- chiselers
- cheats
- gougers
- sharpies
- profiteers
- cheaters
- sharks
- sharpers
- hustlers