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

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 notes

In plain EnglishA dated slang term for a professional safecracker.

When to use it

Archaic/criminal slang, mostly found in older crime fiction.

Word forms

petermen plural, petermen plural, Petermans plural

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Fill the gap

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The gang hired an old _____ to crack the vault.

Etymology

From peter ("a safe," 17th-century slang) + man.

· First attested 1600

Class of 1600 peterman joined the language around 1600.

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Rhymes for peterman

German merman Herman Berman Sherman superman alderman waterman Ackerman Huberman elderman fisherman

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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.