The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Nuthook \Nut"hook`\, n.
   1. A hook at the end of a pole to pull down boughs for
      gathering the nuts.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A thief who steals by means of a hook; also, a bailiff who
      hooks or seizes malefactors. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]