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swamper

[swom-per]
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noun
  1. Informal. a person who inhabits, works in, or is exceptionally familiar with swamps.
  2. a general assistant or laborer; menial.
  3. a person who trims felled trees into logs at a logging camp or sawmill.
  4. Citizens Band Radio Slang. a motorist or truck driver, especially one using a CB radio.

Origin of swamper

First recorded in 1715–25; swamp + -er1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for swamper

Historical Examples

  • The swamper disclaimed the generous imputation with a shake of the head.

    Bonaventure

    George Washington Cable

  • The swamper stood up with his own eyes full, but his voice was firm.

    Bonaventure

    George Washington Cable

  • "Give them both the thrashing and the preaching," said the swamper.

    The Lumberjack Sky Pilot

    Thomas D. Whittles

  • Penny and Louise thanked the swamper and paid him for use of the boat.

    Swamp Island

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • The swamper stared steadily at her a moment, saying nothing.

    Swamp Island

    Mildred A. Wirt

British Dictionary definitions for swamper

swamper

noun
  1. US
    1. a person who lives or works in a swampy region, esp in the southern US
    2. a person who clears a swamp of trees and undergrowth or who clears a path in a forest for transporting logs
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for swamper

n.

1735, "one who lives in a swampy district," from swamp (n.). Meaning "workman who clears a lumber road through swamp or forest" is 1857, American English; meaning "all-purpose assistant in a restaurant or saloon" is from 1907.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper