mudlark

American  

[muhd-lahrk] / ˈmʌdˌlɑrk /

noun

1. Chiefly British. a person who gains a livelihood by searching for iron, coal, old ropes, etc., in mud or low tide.

2. Chiefly British Informal. a street urchin.

3. either of two black and white birds, Grallina cyanoleuca, of Australia, or G. bruijni, of New Guinea, that builds a large, mud nest.

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verb (used without object)

1. to grub or play in mud.

mudlark British  

/ ˈmʌdˌlɑːk /

noun

1. slang a street urchin

2. (formerly) one who made a living by picking up odds and ends in the mud of tidal rivers

3. slang a racehorse that runs well on a wet or muddy course

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Etymology

Origin of mudlark

First recorded in 1790–1800; mud + lark ¹

Example Sentences

Tidal charts are imperative — the river is fast and deep — as is a permit to mudlark, authorized by the Port of London Authority.

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2020

To mudlark on the Thames these days, incidentally, you need to be a member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks and obtain an annual permit that costs about $100.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2018

But the surface at Punchestown, though officially good, was forgiving enough to allow the mudlark Golden Silver to win yesterday's big race and the times suggest that the going was on the dead side.

From The Guardian • Apr. 21, 2010

Carlisle 2.50 Ultra-competitive stuff but the mudlark Huka Lodge looks to have plenty in his favour despite his rising years.

From The Guardian • Apr. 3, 2010

“A compound of Newgate, Bedlam, a Debtors’ Prison in the worst time, a chimney-sweep, a mudlark, and the Noble Savage! 

From Tom Tiddler's Ground by Dickens, Charles