clochard

[ kloh-sherd ]

noun

1. a beggar; vagrant; tramp.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clochard¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from French, derivative of clocher “to limp,” from Latin clopus “lame”

Example Sentences

A leopard fedora can be paired with a long chain, to wear over the shoulder when going in and out of shops, while a clochard has an optional leather corset.

From Washington Times

A leopard fedora can be paired with a long chain, to wear over the shoulder when going in and out of shops, while a clochard has an optional leather corset.

From Seattle Times

The character, played by Michel Simon, is an archetypal French clochard, a kind of Gallic version of Chaplin’s Little Tramp, who, mourning his lost dog, tries to off himself by jumping in the Seine.

From New York Times

A familiar clochard, or bum, stopped by to chat.

From Newsweek

In 2000 he dressed his models like tramps—le look clochard—with newsprint dresses and dangling pots and pans.

From Economist