noun
peterman
Peterman (noun) means Old slang for a safecracker — someone who breaks open safes to steal from them. Example: “The gang hired an old peterman to crack the vault.”
noun
1
Old slang for a safecracker — someone who breaks open safes to steal from them.
"The gang hired an old peterman to crack the vault."
How to use peterman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated slang term for a professional safecracker.
When to use it
Archaic/criminal slang, mostly found in older crime fiction.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like peterman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- petermen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gang hired an old _____ to crack the vault.
Etymology
From peter ("a safe," 17th-century slang) + man.
Class of 1600
peterman joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for peterman
See all rhymes for peterman →Frequently asked questions
What does “peterman” mean?
The word “peterman” means old slang for a safecracker — someone who breaks open safes to steal from them. In plain terms, a dated slang term for a professional safecracker.
How do you use “peterman” in a sentence?
Here is “peterman” used in a sentence: “The gang hired an old peterman to crack the vault.”
What part of speech is “peterman”?
“Peterman” is a noun.
Where does the word “peterman” come from?
The word “peterman” dates back to around 1600. From peter ("a safe," 17th-century slang) + man.
