Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

caird

[kaird; Scot. keyrd]
noun Scot.
  1. a traveling tinker, especially a gypsy.
  2. a wandering tramp or vagrant.
Show More

Origin of caird

1655–65; < Scots Gaelic ceard tinker; akin to Latin cerdō workman, Greek kerdṓ cunning one
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for caird

Historical Examples

  • And see Mary and all the lave have their hands as black as a caird's.'

    Two Penniless Princesses

    Charlotte M. Yonge

  • Mr. Caird gave me a striking instance of such a case in Scotland.

  • But in any case Mr. Caird's amendment was promptly negatived.

  • And Mrs. Caird's anxieties drifted to the youth she loved so dearly.

    Playing With Fire

    Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

  • Mrs. Caird looked at her and was not quite pleased with her attitude.

    Playing With Fire

    Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

British Dictionary definitions for caird

caird

noun
  1. Scot obsolete a travelling tinker; vagrant
Show More

Word Origin

C17: from Scottish Gaelic; related to Welsh cerdd craft
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