bagman

[ bag-man bag-muhn ]

noun

, plural bag·men [bag, -men, bag, -m, uh, n].

1. dishonest official; a person who collects, carries, or distributes illegal payoff money.
2. British. a traveling salesman; drummer.
3. Australian. a tramp; swagman.

bagman

/ ˈbæɡmən /

noun

1. informal.
   a travelling salesman
2. slang.
   a person who collects or distributes money for racketeers
3. informal.
   a person who solicits money or subscriptions for a political party
4. history a tramp or swagman, esp one on horseback
5. slang.
   Also calledbagswinger someone who takes money for a bookmaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of bagman¹

1525–35, for an earlier literally sense; bag + man

Example Sentences

Is there anything in it beyond what the bagman's talk and Uncle Henry's disappearance could have suggested?

From Project Gutenberg

Spindler has a humorous novel, whose hero, a travelling clerk or bagman, meets with a variety of amusing adventures.

From Project Gutenberg

So far as these were concerned, therefore, he might be either a peer of the realm or an English bagman.

From Project Gutenberg

The bagman seemed a decentish sort of chap in his way, but, my word!

From Project Gutenberg

Its a beggars trade after a, and far better left to bagman bodies like yon Stocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dealer
• drug trafficker