census taker

noun

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

The bureau was facing a shortfall in census takers after large numbers reported for training but then dropped out.

But there were other Norwegians in Chicago in 1839 who do not seem to have been found by the census taker.

This was like filling in a blank for a census taker, only worse.

Then Rogers called up the census-taker and told him to go ahead with his enumeration.

For all the thrill which she seemed likely to give him, he might as well be opening an interview with the census-taker.

He wished her to be alive to everything, but without suspiciously scrutinizing details, like a census-taker.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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