highbinder

[ hahy-bahyn-der ]

noun

1. a swindler; confidence man; cheat.
2. a dishonest political official or leader.
3. a member of a secret Chinese band or society employed in U.S. cities in blackmail, assassination, etc.
4. a ruffian or rowdy.

highbinder

/ ˈhaɪˌbaɪndə /

noun

1. a gangster
2. a corrupt politician
3. (formerly) a member of a Chinese-American secret society that engaged in blackmail, murder, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of highbinder¹

1800–10, Americanism; apparently high + binder; literal sense is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of highbinder¹

C19: named after the High-binders, a New York city gang

Example Sentences

It was something of a relief to recognize him now, nevertheless it is never safe to trust a highbinder, for murder and robbery is their trade.

From Project Gutenberg

And Boss Tolley, Tom Hicks, and them other highbinders can sulk in their dens and suck their paws.

From Project Gutenberg

"But them highbinders want thirty-two dollars and twenty cents, American gold."

From Project Gutenberg

I’m smarter than most of the men round these parts but I’d be fleeced properly by the New York band of highbinders if I tried to go among them.

From Project Gutenberg

Petey was highbinder of the gang that year and was very far gone in crime.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accomplice
• collaborator
• plotter
• traitor