noun
Palmer
PAH-muh
noun
1
Historically, a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land, traditionally carrying a palm branch as proof of the journey.
"The old ballad tells of a palmer returning from Jerusalem."
2
A flat wooden or leather strap once used to strike a schoolchild's palm as punishment.
"The old schoolmaster kept a palmer in his desk drawer."
3
A card or dice cheat who conceals and switches items by palming them.
"The dealer was caught as a palmer, hiding cards up his sleeve."
verb
1
In fly fishing, to wind a hackle feather along the length of a hook shank when tying a fly.
"He palmered the feather carefully to build up the fly's body."
name
1
A common English surname and given name.
How to Use Palmer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often a surname; historically also a Holy Land pilgrim, and a fly-tying technique.
Word Forms
palmered past tense, Palmers plural, palmers plural, palmers plural, palmers singular
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The old ballad tells of a _____ returning from Jerusalem.
Etymology
From Middle English palmer, "a pilgrim from the Holy Land," referencing the palm branch pilgrims carried home.