scrapper

¹

[ skrap-er ]

noun

1. a person who removes or does away with scraps. scrap.

scrapper

²

[ skrap-er ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a fighter or aggressive competitor, especially one always ready or eager for a fight, argument, or contest:

   the best lightweight scrapper in boxing; a rugged political scrapper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrapper¹

First recorded in 1640–50; scrap ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of scrapper²

First recorded in 1870–75; scrap ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Sam is a charming scrapper, but Abeer, who comes from an affluent family, has the chance to marry a stable, if decidedly unsexy, diplomat based in Brussels—certainly a boon when you’re living in a country on the brink of a civil war.

From Time

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