bagman

[ bag-man bag-muhn ]

noun

, plural bag·men [bag, -men, bag, -m, uh, n].

1. dishonest official; a person who collects, carries, or distributes illegal payoff money.
2. British. a traveling salesman; drummer.
3. Australian. a tramp; swagman.

bagman

/ ˈbæɡmən /

noun

1. informal.
   a travelling salesman
2. slang.
   a person who collects or distributes money for racketeers
3. informal.
   a person who solicits money or subscriptions for a political party
4. history a tramp or swagman, esp one on horseback
5. slang.
   Also calledbagswinger someone who takes money for a bookmaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of bagman¹

1525–35, for an earlier literally sense; bag + man

Example Sentences

“Back then, you literally had bagmen to collect and deliver” payoffs from Outfit gamblers, said Angelo, who also became a police officer and led the Chicago lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.

From ProPublica

Is there anything in it beyond what the bagman's talk and Uncle Henry's disappearance could have suggested?

From Project Gutenberg

Spindler has a humorous novel, whose hero, a travelling clerk or bagman, meets with a variety of amusing adventures.

From Project Gutenberg

So far as these were concerned, therefore, he might be either a peer of the realm or an English bagman.

From Project Gutenberg

The bagman seemed a decentish sort of chap in his way, but, my word!

From Project Gutenberg

Its a beggars trade after a, and far better left to bagman bodies like yon Stocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dealer
• drug trafficker