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out-and-outer

American  
[out-n-ou-ter, -nd-ou-] / ˌaʊt nˈaʊ tər, -ndˈaʊ- /

noun

  1. a person who does things with excessive thoroughness; extremist.

  2. a thoroughgoing or perfect example of a kind.


out-and-outer British  

noun

  1. a thorough or thoroughgoing person or thing

  2. a person or thing that is excellent of its kind

  3. an extremist

"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

Etymology

Origin of out-and-outer

First recorded in 1805–15; out-and-out + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I was an out-and-outer for candied peel when I was a boy,” he said, rubbing his hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Bilstob’s an out-and-outer for taking up an idea, if you give it him.”

From Project Gutenberg

"What an out-and-outer the Skeleton is!" said one.

From Project Gutenberg

I said you were an out-and-outer as to ability, and that they could n't do better than make you a Governor somewhere, though you 'd not be disgusted with something smaller.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, you 're an author, a regular out-and-outer.

From Project Gutenberg