walking delegate

noun

1. (formerly) an official appointed by a trade union to go from place to place to investigate working conditions, to ascertain whether union contracts were being fulfilled, and, sometimes, to negotiate contracts between employers and the union.

walking delegate

noun

1. (in the US) an agent appointed by a trade union to visit branches, check whether agreements are observed, and negotiate with employers
2. (in New Zealand) a trade union official who visits dispersed working areas on a wharf

Word History and Origins

Origin of walking delegate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

As a newly arrived immigrant, Navratilova was called “a walking delegate for conspicuous consumption” by The New York Times in 1975.

From New York Times

Mrs. Martin—The walking delegate says that's a very selfish way of looking at it.

From Project Gutenberg

Only walking delegates of ideas filled my hollow skull like dried peas in a bladder.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not usual for one man to hold two offices, but you will agree with me that there is one man among us who is peculiarly fitted for the office of walking delegate.

From Project Gutenberg

But the walking delegate, knowing that all bosses are not so well disposed, that he may not grant to one what he refuses to others, cannot make exception, even if it seems reasonable to him.

From Project Gutenberg