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.

Origin of walking delegate

1
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Words Nearby walking delegate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use walking delegate in a sentence

  • There, as a rule, the 'walking delegate' and a few agitators rule with despotic power.

    The Harris-Ingram Experiment | Charles E. Bolton
  • The walking delegate is a greater singer and a finer singer than you, Dane Kempton.

  • But, by thunder, I don't let any walking delegate insult me and tell me what I've got to do!

    The Walking Delegate | Leroy Scott
  • "Why, I'm there already," the walking delegate returned sweetly.

    The Walking Delegate | Leroy Scott
  • He was determined to remain the walking delegate of the union.

    The Walking Delegate | Leroy Scott

British Dictionary definitions for walking delegate

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

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