swagman

[ swag-muhn ]

noun

, Australian.

, plural swag·men.

1. a tramp, hobo, or vagabond.
2. anyone who carries a swag while traveling, as a camper or prospector.

swagman

/ ˈswæɡˌmæn; -mən /

noun

1. informal.
   a labourer who carries his personal possessions in a pack or swag while travelling about in search of work; vagrant worker Also calledswaggerswaggie

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagman¹

First recorded in 1875–80; swag ² + -man

Example Sentences

And still he went doggedly on, with the ghastly daylight on him—like a swagman's ghost out late.

From Project Gutenberg

This softened the heart and loosed the tongue of the old swagman.

From Project Gutenberg

A valid claim to satisfaction was thus established, and the swagman showed a disposition to enforce it.

From Project Gutenberg

The swagman dodged and parried, and soon put in a swinging blow on the left temple.

From Project Gutenberg

He remembered that it had been his impression that the swagman bore his father a grudge, and the thought made him uneasy.

From Project Gutenberg