Street
houseman
What does houseman mean?
A houseman is a burglar, one who breaks into houses to steal. It is a plain occupational term within the underworld.
"The houseman cased the block for a week before making his move."
Origin
American underworld slang, early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'houseman' mean in underworld slang?
It means a burglar, specifically someone who breaks into houses to steal.
How is it used?
It is a plain occupational term criminals used among themselves, as in describing a thief who specialized in house break-ins.
When was it used?
It comes from American underworld slang of the early 20th century.
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