Comprachicos

They were called the Comprachicos, and they kidnapped and tortured children, then mutilated them and sold them to the aristocracy so that they could be used as court jesters.

White Jazz Ellroy, James, 1948- 1992

History hints that during the Middle Ages there flourished an association known as Comprachicos -- "child-buyers" -- which traded in children.

Flowing Gold Rex Ellingwood Beach 1913

The mysterious society of "Comprachicos" (Spanish for "child-buyers"), on whose malpractices the whole book is founded; the entirely false conception of the English House of Lords, which gives much of the superstructure; the confusion of English and French times and seasons, manners and customs, which enables the writer to muddle up Henri-Trois and Louis-Quinze, Good Queen Bess and Good Queen Anne: these and other things of the kind can be passed over.

A History of the French Novel, Vol. 2 To the Close of the 19th Century George Saintsbury 1889

I also recommend “The Comprachicos” on the destructiveness of modern education.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Charles Murray on Ayn Rand: 2010

I also recommend “The Comprachicos” on the destructiveness of modern education.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Charles Murray on Ayn Rand: 2010

The Comprachicos purposely disfigure the young boy by carving the corners of his mouth into a fixed, hideous grin.

Retiring The Joker? 2009

As if what they have done turns into a bad Omen, the Comprachicos are exiled from England, abandoning Gwynplaine in the English countryside during a severe snowstorm burning his facial expression into a permanent one.

Retiring The Joker? 2009

She came across Hugo's _The Man Who Laughs_ then, and was moved by both the Comprachicos and their disfigured victims.

White Jazz Ellroy, James, 1948- 1992

Georgie watched, and together they shouted the chants of the Comprachicos.

White Jazz Ellroy, James, 1948- 1992

Tell me, did you -- did you -- ever hear of the Comprachicos?

Clair de Lune A Play in Two Acts and Six Scenes Michael Strange