arch dell

obsolete The leader of a female band of thieves or gypsies, who acts as an accomplice to her male counterpart, an "arch cove" or "arch rogue." The women of the traveling group remain insular and secretive, led by the arch dell in their pursuits. The beguiling women put on a fantastic show of exotic dance, while their arch dell secured "donations" from the audience. All of the women in the group are responding to subtle commands from that woman there, so she must be the arch dell.