mule skinner

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a muleteer.

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mule skinner British  

noun

1. an informal term for muleteer

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Etymology

Origin of mule skinner

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

With the film industry in its growing stages, even a former mule skinner by the name of Hal Roach could quickly become a major player.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2014

Since then he has played, successively, a prize fighter, mule skinner, outlaw.

From Time Magazine Archive

At 15, big and husky as a man, he quit school to roam the Southwest as ranch hand, camp cook, mule skinner, tattoo artist.

From Time Magazine Archive

In your issue of Aug. 25, reporting the death of Thomas B. Slick the Oklahoma oil operator, you stated that Slick was a "driller, mule skinner and roustabout."

From Time Magazine Archive

A young mule skinner named Milton Humason helped to transport mechanical and optical equipment, scientists, engineers and dignitaries up the mountain.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan