placeman

[ pleys-muhn ]

noun

, British.

, plural place·men.

1. a person appointed to a position, especially one in the government, as a reward for political support of an elected official.

placeman

/ ˈpleɪsmən /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a person who holds a public office, esp for private profit and as a reward for political support

Other Words From

• placeman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of placeman¹

First recorded in 1735–45; place + -man

Example Sentences

Every man had his double; the heels of every placeman were dogged by friendly rivals ready to trip them up.

From Project Gutenberg

At the moment the newly appointed placeman had been rather glad that such was the case.

From Project Gutenberg

In the sequel, the question was proposed, Whether a placeman ought to have a seat in the house?

From Project Gutenberg

When this was handed to him he flew into a towering passion, and said, The scribbly scrawl of a placeman, indeed!

From Project Gutenberg

It was a positive grievance, and indeed it was a partial destruction of the constitution, at the instance of a placeman.

From Project Gutenberg