field hand

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noun

a person who works in the fields of a farm or plantation.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of field hand

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

His father, who is listed as not being able to read or write, was a farmer and Lawrence is listed as a field hand in the 1880 census.
Tim Scott often talks about his grandfather and cotton. There’s more to that tale.|Glenn Kessler|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
In high school, Alcántar often worked as a field hand on the farm where his father had become a foreman.
How technology might finally start telling farmers things they didn’t already know|Katie McLean|December 18, 2020|MIT Technology Review
She had been a field-hand in North Carolina, and worked at cutting down trees, grubbing land, and mauling rails.
Palmetto-Leaves|Harriet Beecher Stowe
She was the dependable field-hand for the sowing and reaping, when agriculture became the principal means of subsistence.
Society|Henry Kalloch Rowe

On his plantation Henson served as water-boy, butler and finally as a field hand, experiencing the usual hardship of the slave.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918|Various
Dilsey, the corn-field hand, almost fell down the steps announcing supper.
Tripping with the Tucker Twins|Nell Speed
Now, every machine operator and field hand on the planet thinks he can reincarnate as a prince or a millionaire.
Last Enemy|Henry Beam Piper