By Hook or by Crook

In confirmation of this phrase having reference to forest customs, my hind told me that my plantations were plundered by hook or by crook, and he and I once caught a man in *flagrante delicto*, with a hook for cutting green wood, and a crook at the end of a long pole for breaking off dry branches, which could not be otherwise reached. For an early use of the term, see Bacon's *Fortress of the Faithful*, 1550. "Whatsoever is pleasant or profitable must be theirs by hook or by crook."