sapper

[ sap-er ]

noun

1. a soldier employed in the construction of fortifications, trenches, or tunnels that approach or undermine enemy positions.

sapper

¹

/ ˈsæpə /

noun

1. a soldier who digs trenches
2. (in the British Army) a private of the Royal Engineers

Sapper

²

/ ˈsæpə /

noun

1. Sapper18881937MBritishWRITING: thriller writer real name Herman Cyril McNeile . 1888–1937, British novelist, author of the popular thriller Bull-dog Drummond (1920) and its sequels

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapper¹

First recorded in 1620–30; sap ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But the stage was set again; the curtain had risen; the watcher on Sapper's Hill had heralded the last act.

From Project Gutenberg

Although rainfall data are not available for Chinaj and Toocog, there are records for nearby stations (Sapper, 1932).

From Project Gutenberg

He was a self-educated-man; he had formerly been a sapper and he was one of the best and handiest working engineers alive.

From Project Gutenberg

"Captain wants to speak to you, sir," came the voice of the sapper from under the tarpaulin.

From Project Gutenberg

Down dives the sapper, and presently his face reappears, with "Headquarters to speak to you, sir."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• prospector