noun
swagman
Swagman (noun) means Someone, usually without a fixed home, who carries their belongings in a bundle while travelling from place to place looking for work.
noun
1
Someone, usually without a fixed home, who carries their belongings in a bundle while travelling from place to place looking for work.
"She was not afraid of horsemen; but swagmen, going to, or worse, coming from the dismal, drunken little township, a day′s journey beyond, terrified her. One had called at the house today, and asked for tucker."
— Barbara Baynton, The Chosen Vessel (1902)
"The policeman thought it best to surprise the man, since he might be armed, so he disguised himself as a swagman and pounced as the man returned from his bridge-painting job."
— Bronwyn Sell, John Caffrey, c. 1850–87 (2009)
2
A trader who deals in cheap trinkets or goods of little worth.
3
Someone who buys and resells items they know are stolen.
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Etymology
From swag (“items stolen by a thief; unlawfully obtained goods; (Australia, New Zealand) bundle of personal items carried by a tramp, traveller, etc.”) + man.
Related words
Rhymes for swagman
See all rhymes for swagman →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of swagman?
"swagman" (noun) means someone, usually without a fixed home, who carries their belongings in a bundle while travelling from place to place looking for work.
What is another word for swagman?
Other words for "swagman" include stiff, drifter, hobo, bum, traveller, dero.
What are the different meanings of swagman?
"swagman" has 3 main meanings: 1. Someone, usually without a fixed home, who carries their belongings in a bundle while travelling from place to place looking for work; 2. A trader who deals in cheap trinkets or goods of little worth; 3. Someone who buys and resells items they know are stolen.
